The arsenal of iron shot that was carried aboard Henry VIII’s flagship, the Mary Rose, may have once struck fear into the hearts of those manning the 16th-century French fleet, but today they are somewhat more delicate. Without the right conservation, these cannonballs will slowly crumble to pieces. Eleanor Schofield explains how she aims to stop the rot.

Scattered across England, a host of monumental mounds have long been interpreted as Norman castle mottes. Large round mounds boast a much earlier pedigree, however – as this month’s cover star, Silbury Hill, attests. A recent project has been investigating whether any sisters to Silbury are hiding in plain sight – with some surprising results.