Archaeological monitoring and recording took place during foundation trench excavations for the construction of a sustainable sheltered housing development at the former Mount Lane School site, Newark, Nottinghamshire. Some of the exposed deposits were determined to be redeposited materials from a former bank or mound: the presence of raised ground or a mound has been noted at this location since the early 19th century and is preserved in the names of Mount Lane and the adjacent Mount Square. Archaeological and historical theories as to its purpose range from possible early medieval or medieval town defences to an artillery post from the mid-16th century or from the period of Civil War activity. A single sherd of 16th- to mid-17th-century pottery was retrieved from the lowest of the bank deposits, suggesting that one of the two later interpretations is likely to be correct. A 19th century brick well, a pit and wall line were also recorded during the groundworks, and remnants of Victorian buildings relating to the school that previously occupied the site.