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<< Our Photo Pages >> Rotherwas Ribbon - Ancient Trackway in England in Herefordshire

Submitted by Andy B on Friday, 21 November 2008  Page Views: 64589

Neolithic and Bronze AgeSite Name: Rotherwas Ribbon Alternative Name: The Rotherwas Serpent
Country: England
NOTE: This site is 1.3 km away from the location you searched for.
County: Herefordshire Type: Ancient Trackway
Nearest Town: Hereford
Map Ref: SO52053690
Latitude: 52.028427N  Longitude: 2.700303W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
 1 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
 2 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
 1 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
 4

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Rotherwas Ribbon
Rotherwas Ribbon submitted by alun : A view of the stones laid out on top of a cut ditch. The presence of a early Bronze Age settlement and cremation makes it likely to be around 4000 years old. (Vote or comment on this photo)
A ribbon of fire-cracked stones carefully laid to form a surface and dating back to approx 2000BC has been uncovered during the construction of a road in Herefordshire. Archaeologists believe this major find may have no parallels in Europe, with the closest similar artefact being the 2,000-year-old serpent mounds of the Ohio river valley in America.

Dated as being constructed during the Early Bronze Age (2,000BC), it runs broadly at right angles (north to south) to the new Rotherwas access road, being constructed by Alfred McAlpine to the south of Hereford City and which prompted the archaeological dig which uncovered the find.

The “Rotherwas Ribbon” comprises a series of linked opposing curves created by laid surfaces of deliberately fire-cracked stones (stones which have shattered after being heated by fire then dropped into water) unearthed from a ridge half a kilometre away.

The ribbon-shaped feature is not flat, but is three dimensional as it appears to have been deliberately sculpted to undulate throughout the 60 metres of its length which have so far been uncovered.

“While the practice of laying stones in small level ‘pavements’ close to standing stones is known from sites in Pembrokeshire and elsewhere, the closest parallel anywhere we can think of to the long sculpted form of this monument is the ‘Great Serpent Mound’ of the Hopewellian phase – 200BC to 400AD - of the Middle Woodland period in Ohio, USA,” said Herefordshire County Archaeologist Dr Keith Ray.

“This is a very exciting find not just for Herefordshire, and not just for the UK, but, apparently so far unique in Europe - it has international significance,” he added.

"We’re not sure what it was precisely built for – we can only speculate that it may have been used in some kind of ritual or ceremonial activity."

To ensure the “Rotherwas Ribbon” remains intact for future generations to explore, detailed plans have been drawn up to encase the find and preserve it within a protective structure beneath the new road,.

This work will begin early in July.

Source: 24dash

Note: Rotherwas Ribbon is dated to 2100 to 1900 BC, see latest comment.
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Rotherwas Ribbon
Rotherwas Ribbon submitted by alun : View including a Roman ditch cut through the Ribbon. When the ditch was built in the Roman period it followed the path of the Ribbon. This may indicated that the Ribbon was waterlogged due to it being lower ground rather than it being visible in the Roman period. (3 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Rotherwas Ribbon
Rotherwas Ribbon submitted by alun : Zoom view of the stones on a sandy soil bed. The stones look as though they could be easily dislodged, so it is unlikely the Ribbon is a road. (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Do not use the above information on other web sites or publications without permission of the contributor.

Nearby Images from Geograph Britain and Ireland:
SO5136 : View to Dinedor Camp by Pauline E
by Pauline E
©2009(licence)
SO5136 : Route of controversial new road by Pauline E
by Pauline E
©2007(licence)
SO5136 : Rotherwas access road, near Bullinghope by Roger Cornfoot
by Roger Cornfoot
©2011(licence)
SO5136 : House on the hillside, near Green Crize by Pauline E
by Pauline E
©2007(licence)
SO5236 : View to Hereford from Dinedor Camp by Pauline E
by Pauline E
©2007(licence)

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"Rotherwas Ribbon" | Login/Create an Account | 89 News and Comments
  
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Further Investigation of the Rotherwas Ribbon Stage 2: 2010 Excavation by Andy B on Wednesday, 25 April 2018
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Further Investigation of the Rotherwas Ribbon Stage 2: 2010 Excavation
Assessment/Interim Report NGR: 35050 23660
Herefordshire Archaeology Report No 281 (In Execution of EH Project Design 5463)

183 pages!

Small, rounded iron concretions were present in all trenches, but it is uncertain whether
these represent natural material or weathered iron slag. The cracked stone shows no
evidence of burning, and hence could be frost-shattered, but as it is more abundant in
Trenches 3 and 5 where archaeological features and charcoal are more prevalent, heatcracking seems more likely.

https://htt.herefordshire.gov.uk/media/1118/ha281-rotherwas-assessment-report-pn-5463.pdf
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Further Investigation of the Rotherwas Ribbon Stage 2: 2010 Excavation by Blingo_von_Trumpenstein on Wednesday, 25 April 2018
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    Phew - took some reading - superb detail though. I learnt many new words...
    [ Reply to This ]

Rotherwas Ribbon – February 2010 survey results summary by Andy B on Wednesday, 25 April 2018
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Rotherwas Ribbon – February 2010 survey results summary

Digest of Interim report on 2010 excavation.

When the Ribbon was first identified as a potentially very significant artefact, its presence raised questions as to its purpose, whether it was cultural, natural or cultural/natural. It is surrounded by an area of great historical and archaeological interest and is probably associated with various pits in its near vicinity. Its exact age is also uncertain but it dates from at least 2000 to 3000 BC. It is also most likely to stretch from Dinedor Hill into the Rotherwas industrial estate. The next stage of excavation in February 2010 would try to find answers to some of these questions by excavating five trenches along the suggested extension of the “ribbon”.

DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
The key discussion concerns the balance between natural and cultural origin. All preliminary analysis, especially in trench 3, support the cultural origin, but natural processes contributed. Dating is very important in considering the origin. The presence of quartz emphasises the contribution of human activity as otherwise if all the stones were local everything could depend on water action- but such analyses are not simple. We must not overlook evidence from the 2007 excavation of 67 metres, whose key characteristics implied human involvement.

Answers are still not clear, everything does not yet link up however knowledge of cultural practises in the Neolithic/Bronze Age is a starting point especially as other significant monuments of this period have been discovered in the last 10 years. A symbolism of transformation and links between the living and the dead seem to be aspects of the monumental artefacts and there are frequent incidents of a spread of quartz and colour contrasts.

Possible linkages seem to have involved deliberate placing of quartz along with natural stone from the locality being placed within a hollow on a downward slope involving the descent of water. Could this have been deliberate? Is the incorporation of burnt stone and human bones linked to the idea of transformation? It may even include the use of natural red soil in trenches 3 and 5.

More at
https://dinedorheritagegroup.wordpress.com/historic-monuments/rotherwas-ribbon-february-2008-survey-results-summary/
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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by PYak1967 on Saturday, 31 January 2015
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NUTZ! They state "This is a Unique and very important find, now without full investigation its being BURIED and the Road on top of it for future generations. Load of rubbish, can you imagine the huge upset to dig up a road leading to a city.

Ah, maybe they mean wait until we're all flying around in personal Disc shaped aircraft, with personal robots to dig up the Now Unused roads, bloody ridiculous. I say this as such a unique thing is part of OUR heritage and should not be buried as they don't want the expense of it. IF it was using tax payers cash for their expenses for frivolous items, thats OK. A unique/important find, NO, we prefer to bury it AND Schedule it to stop anyone else damaging them. Surely building a road over it is DAMAGE!
[ Reply to This ]

Rotherwassed ! by TheCaptain on Tuesday, 22 March 2011
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Update from what was the Rotherwas Ribbon.
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Digging deep to uncover Herefordshire's history by Andy B on Friday, 27 February 2009
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A Bronze Age discovery has been made during an archaeological dig at the Rotherwas business park in Hereford.

The find was discovered during excavations at the former Royal Ordnance Factory close to the site of the Rotherwas Ribbon, which caused international interest in 2007.

Robert Blower, press officer for Herefordshire Council, said: “What appear to be the remains of an early to middle Bronze Age enclosed settlement – about 100 metres across – have been found at the site concerned.

“Slight traces of a Roman villa built over part of the village site after it had been abandoned have also been found, although most of this farmstead has been removed by medieval ploughing.

“The council is in discussion with English Heritage about the significance of the site.”

These remains do not have a physical connection with the Ribbon.

“The Ribbon is a surface of cracked stones dated from the Neolithic to Bronze Age but does not extend to the site of the old munitions...

Read the rest of this post...
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Rotherwas Ribbon is dated to 2100 to 1900 BC by Andy B on Friday, 21 November 2008
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EXPERTS have confirmed suspicions that Herefordshire’s Rotherwas Ribbon was created before the early Bronze Age after various laboratories gave date estimates within 600 years of one another.

Herefordshire archaeologist Dr Keith Ray explained: “It means we can categorically say the Rotherwas Ribbon was still in use between 2100 to 1900 BC, which confirms provisional dating by the Worcestershire archaeological service.”

The results also back up provisional ages given to excavated pottery and thoughts that the Rotherwas road was different from others at the time – which were only partly paved – because it contained burned stone and was built in a ribbon- like shape.

Dr Ray said: “What this means is that the monument was probably first built and then at least partially resurfaced sometime in the third millennium BC, in the Neolithic period.”

Source: Hereford Times
http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/3856415.Rotherwas_Ribbon_is_dated/
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Hereford's Ribbon has backing of government by coldrum on Thursday, 11 September 2008
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HEREFORD’S Rotherwas Ribbon is worth preserving – and that’s official.

The government response to a petition started on the Prime Minister’s website to save it states the monument is a “significant find, worthy of being fully recorded for future research and of being protected in-situ”.

It continues to say that the interest generated by the discovery in 2007 of the neolithic site is a vivid testament to the value people attach to their cultural heritage.

“The government recognises this and remains committed to the principle that there should be a presumption in favour of the physical preservation of nationally important archaeological remains (whether scheduled or not) that are affected by proposed development,”

the statement reads.

“English Heritage is currently working with Herefordshire Council, and with the contractor’s advisors, Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Service, to ensure that a viable solution for the preservation of these fragile...

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Remains at ribbon site by coldrum on Friday, 04 July 2008
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THE remains of animals burnt at extreme temperatures have been confirmed among finds from the Rotherwas Ribbon, the 4,000-year-old archaeological site uncovered by roadbuilding work near Hereford last year.

An initial assessment report prepared for Herefordshire Council and out this week suggests the Ribbon was some sort of ceremonial site, and one of many that early man etched into the surrounding landscape.

Recently, archaeologists working on the southern fringes of Rotherwas found a fire cracked stone surface similar to the Ribbon and links to burnt material like flint and pottery.

Specialist post-excavation assessments of the Ribbon saw that the badly weathered bones of cattle, pigs, dogs, cows and probably sheep showed evidence of burning at more than 800 degrees celsius. A human finger was also found.

Radiocarbon tests are now under way to define the Ribbon’s dates. Right now, the feature is thought to be at least 4,000-years-old, putting it in the Neolithic or...

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New archaeological discovery at Rotherwas by Andy B on Wednesday, 02 July 2008
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ANOTHER archaeological discovery has been uncovered in Hereford close to the site of the new Rotherwas access road.

A platform of burnt stones, thought to date back to the same period as the Rotherwas Ribbon, has been unveiled close to the site of the road which opened yesterday.

The platform is much smaller in scale than the Ribbon but is constructed of similarly burnt stones and is of apparent prehistoric date.

Andy Boucher, managing director of Archaeological Investigations Ltd which is carrying out the work, said: “There is a clear similarity in the use of fire-cracked stones in the formation of this platform compared to the Ribbon discovered last year so it seems unlikely that they were separated by any great span of time.

"This is exciting because the new discovery is associated with features containing a wealth of evidence about the past environment and could well help to further unlock our understanding of the Ribbon.”

More at the Hereford Times
http://www.h...

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Ancient blade found at road site by coldrum on Sunday, 04 May 2008
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A flint blade thought to date back about 4,000 years has been found near a Bronze Age site which is being covered by a road.

The blade, which has a serrated edge, was found by workmen near the Rotherwas Ribbon - an ancient path of stones in Herefordshire.

Campaigners fought to prevent a £20m relief road being built over them, but councillors rejected their calls.

A "protective membrane" will instead preserve it for future generations.

Campaigners had urged the council to abandon the road plans when the Rotherwas Ribbon was found and instead turn it into a tourist attraction.

However, Herefordshire Council said the projects were essential and would bring up to 700 new jobs to the area.

Archaeologists also found several length of tank tracks towards the east of the 14-acre site, which they believe are evidence of a World War II tank repair works.

The area was previously used by the Royal Ordnance during and after the war.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/here...

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SERPENT 'SIT-IN' CHARGES DROPPED by coldrum on Saturday, 06 October 2007
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Lawyers have dropped charges against two elderly countryside campaigners arrested during a sit-in at a council chamber in a bid to save a 'prehistoric snake'.Lawyers say there is not enough evidence against eight people who were due to appear in court today to face aggravated trespass charges.

The eight included Mervyn Morgan, 81, and his wife Virginia, 72, were arrested after more than 20 police officers, some with dogs, surrounded Herefordshire Council's HQ.

Now the protesters say it proves the council is being heavy-handed with campaigners who try to question its determination to forge ahead with the controversial Rotherwas relief road in the face of widespread opposition.

The council called the police when the group, which included an archaeologist and Mrs Morgan, a leading figure in the local branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, refused to move.

"Our lawyer has reviewed the case and decided to discontinue it, as there was insufficient evidence to provide...

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ROTHERWAS RIBBON CAMPAIGNERS QUESTION COUNCIL COMMITTEE DECISION by coldrum on Monday, 01 October 2007
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Campaigners fighting to preserve the Rotherwas Ribbon say they will be taking the “issue further” after they claimed a council scrutiny committee decision to endorse a plan to build a road over the Bronze Age find was invalid.

The 4,000-year-old pathway of stones was discovered during work to build a relief road to an industrial estate near Hereford.

Herefordshire Council’s environment scrutiny committee called in a cabinet decision to build the relief road over the archaeological find – also known as the Dinedor Serpent – and endorsed the council’s decision on Monday September 24 2007.

Now campaigners and councillors - who oppose the decision to preserve the ribbon for future generations under a protective layer and build the road over it – are questioning the validity of the scrutiny committee process.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes sat on the scrutiny committee and voted against the decision: “We have no intention of giving up on an issue of...

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The Ribbon Cover-up by coldrum on Monday, 01 October 2007
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The Ribbon Cover-up

Internal e-mails obtained under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that senior council officers knew about the importance of the Rotherwas Ribbon on May 11th, and therefore almost certainly before the local elections. They kept it secret – even from elected councillors - for nearly two months. They decided back in May how they would deal with the Ribbon, making a mockery of recent Cabinet reports on options. There is now also evidence that the process of scrutinising these decisions is being watered down to cover up the cover up.

Cllr. Gerald Dawe (Green), in whose ward the Ribbon was discovered, said: “It is now clear that the procedures of Herefordshire Council fall well short of the standard expected by other UK local authorities and this is damaging our reputation. Scrutiny of these decisions must be done properly and it cannot be rushed just to cover up possible mistakes by Cabinet and officers.”

THE RIBBON DECISION: Did the Council act properly?
...

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Ribbon scrutiny welcomed by coldrum on Friday, 14 September 2007
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A decision to build a road over the Rotherwas Ribbon has hit a stumbling block after councillors raised objections.

The plan to construct the road over the archaeological find, which is thought to date back to the Bronze Age, is now open to further debate despite Herefordshire Council's cabinet approving the measure.

Three councillors have 'called-in' the decision and now the issue will have to go before the council's environment scrutiny committee for further debate.

Councillors Marcelle Lloyd Hayes, Mark Hubbard and Aubrey Oliver, made the move after concerns that the decision did not fully consider the consequences of any possible decision by English Heritage to 'schedule' the monument - a move that would give it legal protection.

They also claim that the cabinet's decision does not provide enough time for the full extent of the find to be discovered or for the possibility of getting money from outside bodies to be fully explored.

Cabinet had earlier unanimously...

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COUNCIL GIVES ROAD PLAN GO-AHEAD FOR ROTHERWAS RIBBON by coldrum on Friday, 07 September 2007
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Herefordshire Council have revealed their solution for the preservation of the recently discovered Bronze Age ribbon of stones dubbed the Rotherwas Ribbon.

Following a council cabinet meeting on September 6 2007 in which a 50 page report on the future of the Ribbon was discussed, the cabinet have recommended that the Rotherwas relief road be built across the ribbon, which will be preserved for future generations under the road.

The report said that abandoning or re-routing the access road to avoid the archaeological find could cost council taxpayers from £6 million up to £110 million, according to a range of options which included the building of a tunnel under the Rotherwas Ribbon.

As a result, the council have decided to continue with its original road building plan and encase the ribbon ‘for future generations’ under protective membranes and sand.

Depending on the results of any further investigation, the council also proposes to prepare a conservation plan to...

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Heritage will not halt new road by coldrum on Tuesday, 04 September 2007
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ENGLISH Heritage will not stop the Rotherwas access road being built, the Hereford Times can reveal.

Advisors from English Heritage have decided they are happy with Herefordshire Council's plans to continue building the road over the archaeological discovery, termed the Rotherwas Ribbon, which dates back to the same period as Stonehenge.

Scientific advisors from the organisation have recommended that the engineering solution proposed by the council will provide long-term protection for the archaeological find.

Work to preserve the Ribbon under layers of protective membranes and sand has already begun and further work can now be carried out.

English Heritage is also considering financial support for further archaeological excavations outside of the road corridor to enable the Ribbon's history to be more fully understood.

Despite the advice from English Heritage, councillors still have to consider a range of options to discuss how the Bronze Age monument can be best...

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Re: Cost of saving stones 'ludicrous' by coldrum on Tuesday, 04 September 2007
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ALTERING ROAD OVER ROTHERWAS BRONZE AGE TRACK COULD COST MILLIONS

At a cabinet meeting on September 6, Hereford Council will discuss the options for protecting the Bronze Age Rotherwas Ribbon feature discovered during road building.

The council’s favoured option is not to re-route the road, as called for by campaigners, but to apply protective layers and continue with the £400,000 road over the top of the stones, which were laid down more than 4,000 years ago according to investigators. Alternative schemes could cost millions according to the council.

English Heritage has advised that the engineering solution favoured by the council would “provide appropriate long-term protection” for the archaeological find. (Read about their earlier advice in the 24 Hour Museum article from July 2007.)

Council officers have supplied figures ranging from £6m to £110m for abandoning the road or building a tunnel under the serpent of fire-cracked stones. Building a bridge over it, said...

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Cost of saving stones 'ludicrous' by coldrum on Tuesday, 04 September 2007
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Cost of saving stones 'ludicrous'

A council's claim that taxpayers could be hit with a £110m bill to safeguard a 4000-year-old group of stones has been labelled "ludicrous and misleading".
Herefordshire Council said £110m was the figure it had been quoted for the cost of building a tunnel underneath the Rotherwas Ribbon.

The feature was unearthed by workmen building a relief road in Hereford.

Campaigner Bob Clay said the figure was "extraordinary" and claimed the council was trying to mislead the public.

Protective shield

The council said the £110m tunnel was one of the options to be discussed next month at a cabinet meeting on how to deal with the Ribbon.

It said other options include abandoning the road at a cost of £6m and building a bridge at a cost of £10m.

Work on the road at the Ribbon site was abandoned in May when the feature was discovered.

Council officers have recommend that work on the road continues at an estimated cost of £400,000, and...

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Re: Three in court over Ribbon sit-in by Anonymous on Sunday, 29 July 2007
I am actually one of the so-called Hereford 8. This was an entirely peaceful protest. I will be appearing in Hereford Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning, 1 August. I'm pleased that the case has shown so much interest. It will continue, I'm sure. Thank you everyone for your support. Long may it continue.
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Three in court over Ribbon sit-in by coldrum on Thursday, 26 July 2007
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An 81-year-old man and his 72-year-old wife have appeared in court after being arrested at a protest to save a group of 4,000-year-old stones.
Mervyn and Virginia Morgan, of Westfield House, Ross-on-Wye, pleaded not guilty to aggravated trespass at Hereford Magistrates' Court.

A third defendant, Jacqueline Tonge, 46, of Bute Avenue, Putson, spoke only to confirm her name and address.

The charges relate to an incident at a Herefordshire Council cabinet meeting.

Eight people were arrested at the meeting, on 12 July, after taking part in a sit-in at the council's Brockington building.

'Protective shield'

Archaeologists have said the 197ft (60m) Rotherwas Ribbon, found by road builders, could be as important as Stonehenge.

Herefordshire Council wants to build a protective shield over it and build a relief road over it.

The case was adjourned until 1 August, where Ms Tonge is expected to enter her plea.

All three were granted unconditional bail.

http:...

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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon Damaged in Floods ? by Anonymous on Tuesday, 24 July 2007
The Ribbon, which has been left uncovered and vulnerable to the elements so far, will be assessed for damage from the heavy rains and flooding.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/6912238.stm
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Latest Campaign Information by coldrum on Saturday, 21 July 2007
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Full Council meeting on the 27th July, Hereford.

More details here:

http://www.wyed.co.uk/ribbon/index.php
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Notes on possible Management Process for Rotherwas Site by coldrum on Saturday, 21 July 2007
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Posted by Keen:

Mangt plans for archaeological sites

Darvill 1987

Farm or estate plan for landowner – less formal plans required for private land holdings than public
Record info.
Promote continuity
Long term strategy

3 main themes
Immediate works
Short-term principles
Long-term principles
Must be flexible.

7 Stages
Plan in outline- solely archaeology, or multi-purpose farm plan
Survey – mark features on a map
Assessment – get advice on best practice
Discussion and debate – balance advs and disadvs, ways ahead. Landuse constraint map and outline calendar of activities.
Getting going – capital works eg. New tracks, fences, diverting footpaths, tree planting etc
.Implementation and review – day to day management and annual review monitoring effectiveness
Long-term future – flexible
tied to land for long-term security for arch. Monuments.


Site = area of land containing archaeological remains - 3 choices of action:

Curatorial Mangt. – arrest decay –...

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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Thursday, 19 July 2007
This is clearly a very important site and the Council should take advantage of it. There are plenty of good examples of other sorts of artifacts but this is special and the council must change its mind and show it off to the World.
Remember the Mappa Mundi and how it has brought fame and tourists to Hereford. This could be even more important.

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Council officer sends letter to Rotherwas businesses rubbishing potential for tourism by coldrum on Saturday, 14 July 2007
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Michael Hainge, Director of Environment at Herefordshire Council, has taken the unusual step of writing to all Rotherwas businesses expressing the opinion that the importance of the historic Dinedor Serpent has been overplayed. Mr. Hainge appears to rubbish the idea of it being used for tourism, despite the importance originally placed on the find by the County Archaeologist Dr. Keith Ray.

More on here:
http://www.rotherwasribbon.com/
[ Reply to This ]
    Importance "overplayed" by Anonymous on Sunday, 15 July 2007
    Of course it's been overplayed when people go around saying "Stonehenge".
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    Re: Importance by Anonymous on Sunday, 15 July 2007
    Could the trackway in fact be a burnt mound?
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      Re: Importance by Anonymous on Sunday, 15 July 2007
      Well according to the archaeologists no is the answer to that...

      "A deliberately laid surface of fire-shattered stones ‘draped’ over a pre-shaped course within the landscape. The surface undulates across its 8m to 10m width, and also as the structure descends the slope along the 60 metres so far uncovered. It descends in a series of slight curves as it descends the slope."

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    Re: Importance by coldrum on Tuesday, 17 July 2007
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    Whatever it is it's large.
    Does appear to need a lot more investigation.
    Unfortunatly Stonehenge gets tagged on to all sorts these days.
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Three 'Rotherwas Ribbon' campaigners charged by police by coldrum on Friday, 13 July 2007
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Three people have been charged with aggravated trespass in connection with yesterday’s Rotherwas Ribbon sit-in protest at Herefordshire Council’s offices.

An 81-year-old man, a 72-year-old woman, and a 46-year-old woman are due to appear at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on July 25.

Five other protestors – four men and one woman – were arrested by police over the incident in the council chamber at Herefordshire Council's Brockington Road headquarters.

A Herefordshire Police spokesman said those five people had been released on bail to return to Hereford Police Station on July 25.

http://www.24dash.com/localgovernment/24247.htm
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    Re: Three 'Rotherwas Ribbon' campaigners charged by police by Anonymous on Friday, 13 July 2007
    Where is the Archaeological community?
    Why are the experts hanging back - is there a better site somewhere else?- There seems to be Roman, Medieval and 16 - 17 th Century archaeology in the area(SAMR). Are they MORE inportant/influential than the Prehistoric finds and structures from the area?

    Planning has to be a debate and information needs to feed that debate so why are people afraid it is all too late for the Rotherwas Ribbon? Surely the process has to be trustworthy and with holding informatioon IS NOT FAIR...does this mean that the Regional Spatial Strategy and Local Development Plan Framework process is only to serve those 'In the know' ...road builders, politicians and developers?
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    Re: Three 'Rotherwas Ribbon' campaigners charged by police by coldrum on Saturday, 14 July 2007
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    An 81-year-old man has been charged with aggravated trespass after taking part in a sit-in at council buildings to save a 4,000-year-old stone feature.
    Eight protesters were arrested on Thursday at Herefordshire Council after cabinet members refused to discuss the future of the Rotherwas Ribbon.

    West Mercia Police said two women, aged 72 and 46, had also been charged with the same offence.

    The other five campaigners have been released on bail.

    Herefordshire Council wants to build a protective shield over the Rotherwas Ribbon and build a relief road over it.

    Police were called to the council's Brockington building after reports of unrest there on Thursday afternoon.

    Archaeologists have said the 197ft (60m) long ribbon of stones, found by road builders, could be as important as Stonehenge.
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/6898164.stm
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'Rotherwas Ribbon eight' arrested for 'aggravated trespass’ by coldrum on Friday, 13 July 2007
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Eight people have been arrested for ‘aggravated trespass’ at a demonstration to stop an archaeological find being covered up by a new relief road.

Around 30 police were called to Herefordshire Council’s offices this afternoon after demonstrators staged an hour’s ‘sit-in’ in the chamber ahead of a cabinet meeting.

The group were protesting against Herefordshire Council's handling of the Rotherwas Ribbon, which is believed to date back to the same period as Stonehenge.

Protestors wanted reassurance from the council's Cabinet that there would be a full public consultation over the archaeological discovery before any decision is made.

At one point this afternoon, the eight protestors could be seen sitting in the public gallery of the council chamber, surrounded by a ring of police officers.

The eight protestors were later led out of the council building, one by one, by the police.

Councillors moved from the main chamber into the members' room where the meeting continued...

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    Re: 'Rotherwas Ribbon eight' arrested for 'aggravated trespass’ by Keen on Friday, 13 July 2007
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    The image of the former sub-postmaster from Holme Lacey village daubed in blue with a serpent on his chest made me smile...people will relate to him - has anyone got a photo? I wish Jim Hamey all the best and send him greetings from the Tribe in Sutton Park! Pershore College has a campus in Holme Lacey are any students keen to go Celt? The papers will love it!

    When looking up trackways on the internet - I came across an interestin article on Prehistoric trackways in Worcestershire - apparently ridges were commonly used and clearings in woods were used for worship. From your links to aerial maps and Scheduled Ancient Monuments Map, I notice there is a camp at Dinedor from the same period as the trackway and that there are finds too - an arrowhead, axe head.(Ref SAMR).

    I think the idea for a Heritage Park sounds fantastic, Could the trackway survive in this scenario? Local people would benefit a great deal...why is the road more important?
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      Re: 'Rotherwas Ribbon eight' arrested for 'aggravated trespass’ by Andy B on Saturday, 14 July 2007
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      Yes there seems quite a bit in the locality. We have a whole site page on Dinedor Camp with photos of a recent excavation:
      http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=4746
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      Re: 'Rotherwas Ribbon eight' arrested for 'aggravated trespass’ by Anonymous on Sunday, 29 July 2007
      Hi Keen and to the Sutton tribe, Thanks for your support. Its nice to know that there are people who can see beyond the present, seeing forwards as well as backwards. Our past has been deliberately rubbed out by the church and the Roman worshipping so called educated elite.The life force of our ancestors is still in us, and despite recent invented "religions" attempts to monopolise this to thier own ends, many of us are aware of our connection to the Earth and our past. The continued study and debate of sites like the Dinedor serpent is as important as any other faith and should be respected as such, though I believe we have a long way to go yet to convince them of this due to the blindness of thier faith, and the possibility that I'm mad.
      The Hereford Times web site has a picture of me, or I can mail you one, [email protected]
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Calls For Consultation After Rotherwas Ribbon Protest Arrests by coldrum on Friday, 13 July 2007
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Following a sit-in and subsequent arrests at a council meeting in Herefordshire on July 12 2007, campaigners fighting to preserve an archaeological find dubbed the Rotherwas Ribbon are calling on Herefordshire Council to let the public have a say in its future.

Campaigners from a variety of backgrounds – ranging from the Campaign for Rural England to the Green Party – oppose Herefordshire Council’s initial plan to encase the archaeological find in a protective layer and allow a road to be built over it.

Although its ritual use is still unclear, archaeologists are hailing the serpent-shaped ribbon of stones as being as important as Stonehenge. The Council say they are awaiting a report by English Heritage to advise them on the future care of the site.

However, ever since the Bronze Age serpent-shaped trackway was revealed to the public on June 27, disquiet about a perceived lack of consultation on the matter has been mounting.

On the afternoon of Thursday July 12 eight...

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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Thursday, 12 July 2007
The information being given out by the council is very limited in content compared to the size and diversity of the site.there is extensive archeology from the top of Dinedor hill fort right down to the flood plain, trackways, hedges ,signs of dewlings etc, the whole area desparately require scheduling immediately before the council cover it up for ever. This serpent like structure is a lot bigger than stated, I cant confirm this exactly as access and further study is obviously needed, also being blocked by the council who refuse to dicuss the issue. We need your help and support, We are not "actavist" but ordinary people denied a voice.
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    Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Friday, 13 July 2007
    I agree. The information given out is extremely limited at present. I am a Hereford Man who attended the protest yesterday and was not suprised to hear that the Council rep who spoke to the protestors didn't know anything OR (more likely) refused to inform of whether the public would be able to discuss the future of the site with their council representatives officially and candidly. Still no assurance that the road building will be halted until the public have been able to vote on the matter.
    Also to corroborate the previous persons comments. The serpent/Dragon/ribbon is thought to coil around the hill forts slopes and into the valley towards the River Wye. No way in which it could be moved! So forget the 60 feet dimensions that have been mentioned (thats just the uncovered area) this monument is thought to span a huge area.
    I also am neither a road activist or a professional 'anti-government' type. Simply a local man who has seen a huge potential for the area and the educational...

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      Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by mishkin on Friday, 13 July 2007
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      The serpent/Dragon/ribbon is thought to coil around the hill forts slopes and into the valley towards the River Wye. No way in which it could be moved...

      That of course is the point, it maybe a ceremonial pathway between the hill and the river, or towards the hill which is seen as sacred ... Whatever is happening, an archaeological excavation of the whole area would seem to be called for.
      The councillors/developers must not be allowed to call the tune, until a proper investigation is undertaken at the site.
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Ribbon campaigners stage sit-in by coldrum on Thursday, 12 July 2007
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Protesters calling for a 4,000-year-old stone feature to be saved have staged a sit-in at council buildings.
Herefordshire Council wants to build a protective shield over the Rotherwas Ribbon and build a relief road over it.

Dozens of people took part in a campaign outside a council cabinet meeting on Thursday afternoon calling for road building to be halted.

Campaigners then entered the meeting and nine refused to move until the subject was discussed.

The item was not on the cabinet's agenda.

No arrests

Police were called to the council's Brockington building after reports of an unrest there.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "The situation is still ongoing.

"There were a number of protesters outside the meeting, but there are nine inside the chamber who have been refusing to leave.

"No arrests have been made so far and we are hoping the situation will be resolved soon peacefully."

Ancient monument

Archaeologists have said the 197ft (60m)...

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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Wednesday, 11 July 2007
At last a realistic find in herefordshire that rivals stonhenge.
Dont stop the road going through, just make the road do a detour, or raise the road over the ribbon on stilts, a fly over no less.
This wont do any damage to this great find as its not that wide where the new road will go so there wont be a great span to build.
Just do it Macalpine.
This will leave our heritage intact for our future children.
By the way, this idea will always fall on deaf ears.
Cant see the wood for the trees.
I am soon to be made homeless in hereford thanks to some mindless moron that works for the benifits section.
He has stopped my rent allowance and council tax rebate allowance as he thinks that i am not living there at the address i have been at since 1985.
I am now 71 years old, this is the way that the hereford beurocrats work.
If anyone out there can give me a helping hand that would be great as the OVERPAYMENTS are mounting up and i have no way of paying this forced debt put on me.
I...

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    Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Thursday, 12 July 2007
    Stay strong FJB. People that care attract caring people. Talk to Citizens Advice and also make sure that the council housing department understands your position exactly. Ideally arrange an interview with them in person. The sooner you do this the better.

    Hope it gets better

    Guybongo
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    Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by coldrum on Thursday, 12 July 2007
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    Website of Herefordshire Citizens Advice Bureaux

    http://www.cabhereford.demon.co.uk/

    Hope this helps.

    Take care.
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    Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Keen on Friday, 13 July 2007
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    Let us know how you are getting on.

    Keen
    x
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Councillor Wilcox says ribbon would make a crap tourist attraction by Andy B on Wednesday, 11 July 2007
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/6289240.stm
near bottom of page:

BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester have said the topic has prompted the biggest ever response to a local story.

More than 200 people have contacted the area's BBC Where I Live site to give their views on what should happen to the relic.

A petition calling on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to help save the Rotherwas Ribbon also received more than 210 signatures within its first day.

Does that level of interest show that the Ribbon could be a successful tourist attraction?

Not according to Councillor Wilcox.

"I think they would be asking for their money back," he said.

"We want people to come and have a look for themselves to see the site.

"Often they hear comparisons with Stonehenge and expect it's going to be something similar."

The English Heritage inspectors are expected to deliver their verdicts over the next few weeks.
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    Re: Councillor Wilcox says ribbon would make a crap tourist attraction by Anonymous on Wednesday, 11 July 2007
    "biggest ever response to a local story" - shows what a dull place Hereford is then! It needs livening up with something like this.
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    Re: Councillor Wilcox says ribbon would make a crap tourist attraction by coldrum on Thursday, 12 July 2007
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    Well he would do.
    This find has messed up the councils money making schemes. Money that would not, lets be honest, go to local people.
    Everytime something like this happens those concerned come up with "it'll make jobs" or "jobs will be lost".
    The truth is nothing of the sort happens.
    The channel tunnel link was supposed to benefit the people of Kent.
    It has'nt made any difference.
    Nobody would profit from this road only some of the councillors.
    A money making scheme for a few.
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    Re: Councillor Wilcox says ribbon would make a crap tourist attraction by Keen on Friday, 13 July 2007
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    I think the Council should capitalise on the fact that this has caught the imaginations of local people and others to 'DO' something really great at Dinedor/Rotherwas Site for this brave little band of protestors have shown that there is passion in Herefordshire and extraordinary creativity...!
    Keen x
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'Race against clock' for Ribbon by coldrum on Wednesday, 11 July 2007
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Campaigners fighting to preserve a 4,000-year-old archaeological find in Herefordshire say they are facing a race against time.
Experts have said the newly-uncovered Rotherwas Ribbon could be as important as Stonehenge.

However, the site is in the path of a controversial planned relief road.

Herefordshire Council said a protective shield will be built over the site to save it for future generations and the road will then be built over it.

English Heritage inspectors visited the site, also known as the Dinedor Serpent, on Monday.

They said the site was "very fragile". If they decide the 197ft-long (60m) ribbon of stones is worthy of ancient monument status, it could prevent the road being built.

The £12.5m road was controversial even before the historic trail was discovered.

Nearby residents claimed it was unnecessary and would only cause extra congestion.

The government declined to fund the road, which will link the A49 from Hereford to Ross-on-Wye to an...

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'Race against clock' for Ribbon by coldrum on Wednesday, 11 July 2007
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Campaigners fighting to preserve a 4,000-year-old archaeological find in Herefordshire say they are facing a race against time.

Experts have said the newly-uncovered Rotherwas Ribbon could be as important as Stonehenge.

Herefordshire Council said a protective shield will be built over the site to save it for future generations and the road will then be built over it.

English Heritage inspectors visited the site, also known as the Dinedor Serpent, on Monday.

They said the site was "very fragile". If they decide the 197ft-long (60m) ribbon of stones is worthy of ancient monument status, it could prevent the road being built.

The £12.5m road was controversial even before the historic trail was discovered.

Nearby residents claimed it was unnecessary and would only cause extra congestion.
The government declined to fund the road, which will link the A49 from Hereford to Ross-on-Wye to an industrial estate at Rotherwas, on three occasions.

The work, which...

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Comments on the BBC Hereford and Worcestor Forum by coldrum on Wednesday, 11 July 2007
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/content/image_galleries/rotherwas_ribbon_gallery.shtml?comment=response#comment
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ENGLISH HERITAGE ADVISE COUNCIL OVER FUTURE OF ROTHERWAS RIBBON by coldrum on Wednesday, 11 July 2007
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English Heritage is to advise Herefordshire Council on the preservation of the Rotherwas Ribbon in the face of mounting local concern over the future of the recently uncovered archaeological site.

English Heritage inspectors made a visit to the 4,000-year-old archaeological feature in Herefordshire on July 9 to advise the council on further archaeological investigations, preservation measures and to see if it should be preserved as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The 197ft (60m) long curved ribbon of stones, dubbed the Rotherwas Ribbon, is a surface of cracked stones discovered as a result of the archaeological investigations carried out prior to the construction of the Rotherwas access road, located just south of Hereford city.

Its discovery has sent ripples of excitement through the archaeological community and beyond and now a groundswell of opinion is building that opposes the original council plan of preserving the site in a protective casing and allowing the road to...

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More chances to see historic Rotherwas Ribbon by coldrum on Tuesday, 10 July 2007
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Herefordshire Council has unveiled details of arrangements to allow more people to view the unearthed Rotherwas Ribbon.

The Ribbon is a Bronze Age surface of cracked stones discovered as a result of the archaeological investigations carried out prior to the construction of the Rotherwas access road, located just south of Hereford city.

The council ran a session on July 7, during which 200 people were bussed to the site.

A further 200 are due to visit the site this afternoon (Tuesday)

Due to popular demand, similar escorted visits have now been arranged to run between 1pm and 4.30pm from Monday to Saturday next week, July 16 to July 21.

Anyone wanting to book a place should contact Herefordshire Council’s switchboard on (0432) 260000 between 11am and 5pm.

Visitors will be taken to the site from Unit Three on the Rotherwas Industrial Estate for escorted visits before being transported back to their cars.

Only those who have booked will be allowed to visit the site,...

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    Re: More chances to see historic Rotherwas Ribbon by TimPrevett on Wednesday, 11 July 2007
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    Just noticed an important omission from the telephone number given; it should be (01432) 260000. Cheers, Tim.
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    Re: More chances to see historic Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Wednesday, 11 July 2007
    Be prepared to sit on hold for 10 mins or so as well...
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    ENGLISH HERITAGE ADVISE COUNCIL OVER FUTURE OF ROTHERWAS RIBBON by coldrum on Wednesday, 11 July 2007
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    English Heritage is to advise Herefordshire Council on the preservation of the Rotherwas Ribbon in the face of mounting local concern over the future of the recently uncovered archaeological site.

    English Heritage inspectors made a visit to the 4,000-year-old archaeological feature in Herefordshire on July 9 to advise the council on further archaeological investigations, preservation measures and to see if it should be preserved as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

    The 197ft (60m) long curved ribbon of stones, dubbed the Rotherwas Ribbon, is a surface of cracked stones discovered as a result of the archaeological investigations carried out prior to the construction of the Rotherwas access road, located just south of Hereford city.

    Its discovery has sent ripples of excitement through the archaeological community and beyond and now a groundswell of opinion is building that opposes the original council plan of preserving the site in a protective casing and allowing the road to...

    Read the rest of this post...
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Re: E-Petition to Save the Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Tuesday, 10 July 2007
I will sign the petition but the petition deadline and thus the date at which the government will have to issue a response is July 2008, by that time the road will have been built. I think the deadline should have been 6 months or less.

I also think the words of the petition are not good enough, government and councils are full of sleeze merchants, the call of the petition "to save the monument" will easily be spinned out of hand "We the government and Hereford council are indeed determined to "save the monument" that is why it wil be fully protected, underneath the new road" Will be the government response. The petition *should* have said "protect the monument and allow full public access to the site. Re-route the road away from the monument to a distance of atleast 500m."

Zenmonk
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E-Petition to Save the Rotherwas Ribbon by coldrum on Tuesday, 10 July 2007
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E-Petition to Save the Rotherwas Ribbon

An E-petition has been set up on the Number 10 Downing Street website (open to British citizens & residents)...


Save the Rotherwas Ribbon

A recently discovered 4000 year old monument in rural Herefordshire is soon to be covered by a new road development. Archaeologists believe this major find on the outskirts of Hereford is unique in the world, as important as Stonehenge.

Development of the Rotherwas Access Road must stop immediately. A full public inquiry should be held to decide the future of the Rotherwas Ribbon.

The Rotherwas Ribbon is a snake-like monument built in three dimensions out of blocks of stone. The stones were heated by fire and plunged into water to crack them into blocks, which have been sculpted to undulate along the 60 metre length of the monument.

Plans have been drawn up by Herefordshire Council and road developers to encase the find beneath the new road, which will run at right angles to the monument.
...

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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by coldrum on Monday, 09 July 2007
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http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/04/europe/EU-GEN-Britain-Archaeology-Find.php

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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by coldrum on Monday, 09 July 2007
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In answer to geraldinefirequeen, England does have what people would term serpents.
Resident in England are the Adder and Grass snake. Also there is the Slow worm which is in fact a lizard with no legs but still serpent like.
There is one other snake that inhabits England which is extremely rare and that is the Smooth Snake

A bit of information on Adders here:

http://www.adder.org.uk/

Smooth Snake:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/280.shtml

Grass Snake:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/278.shtml

Slow Worm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/281.shtml

Have seen all apart from the Smooth snake.
Adders look very impressive with the zig zag patterns down their backs.
I suspect most people are unaware of them because of habitat destruction and lets be honest a lot of people live in towns.
In the past they would probably have been noticed a lot more.




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    Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by coldrum on Wednesday, 11 July 2007
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    Snakes were important to many in the past. Fertility and healing were some of their atributes.
    Weather or not this important monument is a representation of a snake or not they do both have something in comman.
    They are in dnager of being destroyed.

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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Keen on Sunday, 08 July 2007
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If the site has International significance perhaps there are more funds available nationally/internationally to make the most of this discovery NOW!
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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Sunday, 08 July 2007
From the photo its sacred ground and I get a date of 7309 years old when the stones were first laid, it HAS to be place of ancient worship and very special.To cover this and make it a road would be madness in my opinion, its a ONE OFF for the UK, akine to Stonehenge or Avebury again in my humble opinion...mmike.
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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Sunday, 08 July 2007
See also this link which contains photos:

http://www.smr.herefordshire.gov.uk/news_events2/RotherwasNews2.htm
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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Saturday, 07 July 2007
See http://www.rotherwasribbon.com for a report on visits to the site this afternoon by the public.
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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by geraldinefirequeen on Saturday, 07 July 2007
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although this has been described as a 'serpent', serpents were presumably unknown in England, might this not have been a representation of the Milky Way?
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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Saturday, 07 July 2007
It's disappointing that Mr Sworn sees fit to dismiss calls to save this find by casting doubt on motives. The arguments against the road stand on their own merit but are augmented by arguments in favour of capitalising on our heritage instead of burying it. People who care about their landscape usually think finds such as this should be protected for similar reasons and casting doubt on their motives is unhelpful. Please don't patronise 'the masses' - you need them on board in order to do your job.

The point is that this road already has no economic case and is poor value according to government and UDP inspectors, and will create more traffic problems in Hereford according to the council's own consultants. There is such a weak case that it is now the subject of a court challenge. Given this, the discovery of this serpent means there is an even stronger argument that the road is halted.

It could surely be protected from the elements in more imaginative ways and allow the public...

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    Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Andy B on Saturday, 07 July 2007
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    The obvious comparison of something found under the soil and containing small stone parts is a Roman Mosaic. To remain safe and visible to the public these have to have some sort of protective building put over them.

    Perhaps the most appropriate way would be to uncover a section of the ribbon under some sort of building. It sounds like it is hundreds of metres long so realistically the rest would have to be covered back over (or left covered). Would be expensive but as you say it's a unique site.

    I think realistically that is what we should campaign for and stay out of the road/no road argument as that is for the locals to argue for themselves. This is hardly the Tara M3 bypass.

    I think Simon Sworn is right that you can't just uncover it and leave it, especially very close to a town and housing where I think there is a high likelihood of vandalism or accidental damage. I think you will need to visit the site to appreciate the problems.

    Also bear in mind that he is...

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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Saturday, 07 July 2007
Only a mild suggestion to you archaeological experts: look at the Google Earth coverage of this area (search Dinedor or Rotherwas) which is exceptionally bright and informative. Now I know the 'monument' exists I think I can make out distinct field marks which are not sheep paths ! Also, to the south side of Dinedor Hill is a distinct connected shape (I hesitate to say human shape, but it is, head and body!).
Incidentally, although I would love to see it all unearthed (I was once a boy in this area) I tend to take the opinion of another posted comment, of protected coverage until funding is available for a proper, unhurried excavation.
Laurence Burns
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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by simonsworn on Friday, 06 July 2007
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Due to the intrest generated in the press the open day for this saturday is still on, there are also to be a number of other open days, Tues 10th and Mon-Fri (16th - 20th June). Ring Jackie 01432 260470 to book a place on one of the site tours. With regard to recent comments about the saving of this monumet and the possiblity of leaving it open, I will not get into the political rangling (ie this is being used by some who have no genuine interest in archaeology and are just using it as ammunition against the road), those of us who known and care about are heritage will, im sure understand the importance and the need to preserve this unique feature for future generations. The stone surface has been exposed for only a short period and the recent heavy rain is already starting to have a negative impact. This is NOT stonehenge, it is constructed of small stone that are easily disturbed by the elements, let alone the passage of thousands of tourists. There is also the possiblity of...

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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Friday, 06 July 2007
I think this site could be as emblematic for Herefordshire as the White Horses of other places and would like more time and care taken to explore the meaning of this site now and then. Surely there are ways to protect the site that allow for full appreciation by the public - our Heritage is speaking to us!
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Save Rotherwas Ribbon by Andy B on Friday, 06 July 2007
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Rotherwas Ribbon must be protected and road building stopped

A Herefordshire Councillor is leading a surge of anger against Herefordshire Council both locally and nationally for the secretive way in which it has made a decision to concrete over the now famous 'Rotherwas Ribbon' – something the council's own archaeologist has described as having international significance.

Green Councillor Gerald Dawe, whose ward includes the now world-famous 'Rotherwas Ribbon', has described the proposal to concrete over this hugely significant find as “cultural vandalism of the highest order.”

“The first I knew about this decision was on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, yet I am the ward councillor. Decision-making is again going on behind closed doors. A clique in the Council appear to have known about this find for a long time. Why are they excluding the Herefordshire public yet again?”

“It is appalling that democratically elected councillors and the general public have been kept in the...

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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Anonymous on Friday, 06 July 2007
Visit the campaign website and support us in a number of ways in stopping the concreting over of Hereford's Stonehenge at http://www.rotherwasribbon.com
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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by TimPrevett on Friday, 06 July 2007
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Burnt stone... tangential thoughts:

Tenuous wondering:
I'm also thinking of Vitrified Hillforts where stone ramparts were subjected to fire to strengthen them.
( Such as this http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=5952 ; there is an example at Caer Euni N of Bala, W of Corwen )

Perhaps not so tenuous wondering:
I am reminded of the vast neolithic enclosure at Gardom's Edge in the Peak District where the lengthy and wide stone wall was set on fire (cue: anyone reading who was on John Barnatt's walk here a few years ago who can give more detail? The project website strangely omits this fact.)
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=2255
http://gardoms-edge.group.shef.ac.uk/enclose.htm

Into the melting pot
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Re: Ohio Serpent is not stone... by simonsworn on Thursday, 05 July 2007
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In reply to the query by bat400, the stone surface is not accualty on a mound, its is laid within a hollow/cut in the natural ground level, therefore the stones would have been below the ground level. Indicating that this feature would not have been visible from the immediate vicinity, though visible from the higher ground to the south, now capped by the Iron Age hillfort camp of Dinedore. The undulations of the burnt stone surface is due to the shape of the cut, there is generally only a single uniform layer of stones, i.e. the shape and profile of this surface was pre-determined as the hollow was excavated, rather than formed by the addition of more stone in some places and less in others.

The stone feature extends beyond the limits of the easement of the new road in both directions so neither end has been revealed, though there may be the possiblity of futher works in the near future (hopefully). Hope this helps. Simon
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    Re: Ohio Serpent is not stone... by bat400 on Thursday, 05 July 2007
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    Thanks for the additional information on this structure. There does sound like a similarity to some of the New England stone works. This will be fasinating to watch the information come in!
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    Re: Ohio Serpent is not stone... by Aluta on Friday, 06 July 2007
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    Serpentine walls, usually with stone snake heads, are a frequent feature of the ceremonial stone landscapes of eastern North America, as you imply here, bat400. They tend (there are always exceptions in these things, especially since these places were probably built by different groups at different times) to be in low areas and/or places with springs and marshes. Other features are usually found in the same place, but that is the nature of these sites, many different features together.

    This construction is almost certainly unrelated, but I'd still be curious to know what the closest body of water is and how far away it is.
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Ohio Serpent is not stone... by bat400 on Thursday, 05 July 2007
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As exciting as this news is I am somewhat at a loss as to why the find is being compared so closely to the Adams County Serpent.
Ohio Structure: Earth, bas relief, structure visibly resembles a snake/worm including "wriggly" coils and "head". Located on ridgetop.
Hereford structure: Stone, bas relief, structure shows a slight curve in photo.

Can anyone answer:
*Is the Hereford structure stone all the way through to ground level, or is it a cap of stone on an earthern mound?
*Are the "undulations" from side to side, or up and down, following natural depressions and elevations in the earth?
*Has any "head" or "tail" been found?

In someways this sounds more like the New England rock "walls" than the effigy mounds.
Exceeding interesting. (By the by, that road scheme sounds as dodgy as some of the efforts of my state's governor to let private companies build toll roads on public land.)
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    Re: Ohio Serpent is not stone... by Andy B on Thursday, 05 July 2007
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    It sounds to me like some overexcited journalist who got the word serpent and ran with it. As least we should be thankful that for a change it's not said to be 'like Stonehenge' as is the case for 95% of unusual stone discoveries.
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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by simonsworn on Wednesday, 04 July 2007
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Another link, with lovely graphic!, note though that this picture was taken a while ago and the stone feature has been futher exposed to the north (to bottom of the picture). PS i,m the very attractive sod in the foreground!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, its not 60m long, rather 75m long, and extends beyond the excavation area in each direction, so its real length is unknown.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/6268900.stm
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    Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Andy B on Thursday, 05 July 2007
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    Thanks for all the insights Simon. I see the BBC have now added a whole 'gallery' here
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/content/image_galleries/rotherwas_ribbon_gallery.shtml?3
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      Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by AngieLake on Sunday, 15 July 2007
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      I've come upon this story a bit late in the day, having been away in Wilts.
      I found two serpentine routes from the Ring of Brodgar to Salt Knowe and back while dowsing in 2001. [My first-ever long distance solo dowsing trip!] The 'ribbons' were parallel and each had exactly the same number of twists and turns, joining movements in the circle with ritual movements encircling, and on the summit of, the mound.
      Now, this could just be 'earth energies', I have no way of proving that what I'm finding is what I'm searching for, ie: the most important ritual movements of the earliest builders of these monuments.
      Now this feature of the Rotherwas Ribbon has set me thinking!
      Move to the present day:
      While in Alton Barnes (Wilts) the other evening I was directed by a friendly elderly local man to the old church at Alton Priors, via a route from Alton Barnes' Saxon church, across two large meadows, following stones laid into the grassy surface [and some partly buried] to highlight the...

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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by simonsworn on Wednesday, 04 July 2007
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The exact location of this feature has not been revealed to the public yet, as the site is located within a working construction site and the contractors naturally do not wish for people to wander onto site and put themselves at risk, however, there will be a public open day this saturday, 7th July between 14:00 to 19:00, ring Jackie 01432 260470 to book a place on one of the site tours.
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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Andy B on Wednesday, 04 July 2007
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For more background to this story, see here:
http://www.rotherwas-cul-de-sac.org.uk/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/programmes/politics_show/6768073.stm

Also see our site page on Dinedor Camp for recent excavations there:
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=4746
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Re: Rotherwas Ribbon by Andy B on Wednesday, 04 July 2007
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This site is getting significant news coverage in the UK, a picture and interview link are currently on the BBC Today home page:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/
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