I must take Chris Boswell to task about his suggestion to demolish the Oxford Castle Mound (Oxford Mail, April 23).

The Mound was far more than a place where people were hanged - the last hanging was in 1863.

It is, in fact, one of Oxford's oldest ancient monuments.

No-one knows who built it, but it was said to have been started by King Alfred as a defensive measure against the Danes.

It was then improved by the Norman baron, Robert d'Oilly who, in 1071, began to build his castle next door.

What we do know is that the earth was taken from what is now Broad Street and transported by hand to the site.

The resulting ditch, then known as Canditch, not only acted as a second defensive measure for the north of the town, but was also where sewage was thrown.

The Mound is part of pre-University Oxford and should be retained.

Many of our ancient sites have been destroyed in the past - let us keep at least one of them.

I hope Mr Boswell was writing with his tongue in his cheek and was not serious.

DEREK HONEY Queen Emma's Dyke Witney