Withdrawal of information | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

greywether Apr 26, 2005 13:30:57

I have deleted the images and detailed information for the rock art sites in the Whitehill area. The rocks are very close to an urban area in an open access country park.

I've not seen any evidence of damage in the several visits I have made but, sadly, the posting of details on here must increase the likelihood that it will happen.

What particularly prompted this change of mind was a visit last week when I came across one of the decorated rocks I had not previously seen. It was a very simple but, to me, particularly pleasant design. Out of the way but otherwise open to the elements.

I debated for a few days whether I should add this to the earlier posts. But it seemed wrong to keep it anonymous while mentioning the others. The logical thing to do was to delete the lot.

This was never going to be a highly visited site by TMA-ers. If anyone does want more detail or a tour, email me.

What a pity you need to consider things like this :-(

Kammer Apr 26, 2005 14:10:46

Replying to greywether

Why not post 'em without grid references?

StoneLifter Apr 26, 2005 14:49:53

Replying to greywether

I am in exactly the same mind about sites in southwest Northumberland and in north Bolton. There's no protection for them in place.

ShadowStorm Aug 14, 2005 08:16:13

Replying to greywether

Hi.
I visited the Whitehill sites yesterday, and one particular site for the first time since i took photos of the stones in the 1970s. Although some modern damage exists, it is still possible to get a feel for the place.
The hilltop site was very overgrown, though, and it took us much searching before we found the outcrop.

What worried me more than modern name-carving was the effect that fire had on some of the exposed stone. One stone by the footpath showed evidence of a fire and cracking. It is a sad indictment on modern man that some people still don't realise what others have known for centuries, and indeed what our stone age ancestors knew - that fire can split rock.

We are Pagan, and treat the sites with proper reverence. A pity others can't do the same.