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Stonehenge and its Environs

Time to stop solstice stones access

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tjj T
tjj Feb 26, 2015 21:15:04
Replying to Monganaut

Monganaut wrote:
TBH, this is the kind of cultural vandalism that we should be railing against, not access to an ancient monument a couple of times a year.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/26/isis-fighters-destroy-ancient-artefacts-mosul-museum-iraq

I'm sick of our heritage being pickled in aspic. Stonehenge has been around for quite a while, and it's taken it's fair share of knocks during that time (hell, didn't Victorians chisel off keepsake to take home). Historically, some of the biggest 'vandals' have been bloody archaeologist re-erecting stones and using concrete props etc... Things like the oil will degrade over time, even if it isn't breaking down straight away. I am horrified at how people behave at these sites, but I still agree to access without paying, to all sites.

With respect Monganaut the points you make are not relevant to Stonehenge. Of course we should be railing about the Isis fighters destroying ancient artefacts in Mosul. And all the other barbaric acts perpetrated to terrorise. We should and we do ... tragically most of us feel powerless to make any difference.

Historically archaeologists/antiquarians have done a lot of damage not just by the use of cement (although not sure an effective alternative has yet been found) but much more so by excavations where prehistoric barrows have been left partially destroyed. None of this has a bearing on protecting Stonehenge - I cannot imagine why anyone would want to pour oil on the Stones in the name of celebrating the Solstice. This sort of wilful damage should at least carry a substantial fine.

M Monganaut
Monganaut Feb 27, 2015 19:11:50
Replying to tjj

Maybe they could set up cctv around the stones. They'd have evidence for any wanton vandalism and be able to make prosecutions, as long as you can catch the buggers of course.

I still don't think the mindless acts of a few dicks should close access for the generally well behaved masses. The amount of 'ritual' crap I see, and 'offerings' left at numerous sites beggars belief. It isn't just Stonehenge that's under 'attack'. with the exception of the graffiti, I don't even think it's even wanton damage, just an ill advised and poorly thought through act.

Maybe EH or whomever is responsible for these places could draw up and locate at each site a plaque stating an expected code of conduct when visiting these special places.