How to ruin a site!!!

Great Skirtful of Stones 1

Image by Kozmik_Ken

Rockrich Jan 11, 2006 21:06:57

Truly unbelievable, either Bradford Council, or the Landowner has started erecting a bleedin fence within 3 feet of the base of Grt Skirtful of Stones on Ilkley Moor.

Its completely changed the look of the site, but besides this, surely they're impinging on the Scheduled area given its 40meter diameter.

Is nothing safe anymore?

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/43112

Hob Jan 11, 2006 21:43:48

Replying to Rockrich

What's the diameter of the cairn?

Assuming cairn protection is the motive, excluding scheduled ground from the fenced area would give a visitor the impression that it is OK to move stones (or whatever) outside the fence.

Pete G Jan 11, 2006 23:06:10

Replying to Rockrich

Tell the Pagans its Sacred! Sure to get it covered in candlewax and littered with tin foil and beer cans in no time!
Tell the New agers that ley lines run through it, sure to attract Lizard worshippers...
Oh sorry, it wasn't a question was it? ;)

fitzcoraldo Jan 12, 2006 11:58:08

Replying to Rockrich

I've seen a few fences being chucked up on the North York Moors recently. I wonder if this is a response to the open access legislation.

Chris Collyer Jan 12, 2006 20:04:45

Replying to Rockrich

Hmm, bit of a strange one. However, the cairn is part of the boundary limit, in fact the boundary line (between Burley and Hawksworth moor I think) goes through the middle of it, changing from a north-east to south-east in the middle of the cairn itself. Maybe whoever put up the fence was actually trying to avoid the monument (which EH measures as about 26m) but still managed to put it up within the scheduled area. Why they would need to build a fence up there seems a bit of a mystery though – can't see it lasting long.

-Chris

Rockrich Jan 24, 2006 21:36:02

Replying to Rockrich

I've had a response from Bradford Mets archaeo today. Apparently, the fence is being constructed with money from a DEFRA guardianship grant.

Where the fence should run is causing some confusion & has therefore been referred to English Heritage to sort.......... quickly I hope!!