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

Submitted by Andy B on Friday, 21 November 2008  Page Views: 63439

Neolithic and Bronze AgeSite Name: Rotherwas Ribbon Alternative Name: The Rotherwas Serpent
Country: England
NOTE: This site is 2.115 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)

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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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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
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    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...
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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!
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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 factory in the Rotherwas business park,” said Mr Blower.

An archaeological team working for Herefordshire Council has been investigating the site on the eastern side of a 14-acre area, which is part of a planned expansion of the business park.

This is to gain information before a planning application is submitted. In April last year, archaeologists unearthed traces of tank repair works from just after the Second World War and lengths of tank tracks bogged down in soft soil on the former munitions site.

That team also found a Bronze Age stone deposit and a serrated flint blade.

Now the public are invited to view the dig at the former munitions factory. Half-hour escorted visits for small groups are being offered by prior arrangement up until tomorrow (Friday).

People wishing to view the excavations can call Herefordshire Council on 01432 260000.
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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 remains is being implemented.

“Over coming months, it is hoped that post-excavation analysis, together with further investigations in the vicinity of the Rotherwas Ribbon, will help to broaden understanding of its significance.”

The petition was started following the discovery of the monument that lay in the path of the Rotherwas access road. It stated that it was as important as Stonehenge and road building must stop immediately. It also called for a full public inquiry.

Since then the road has been completed, with the monument preserved under protective materials.

Three large scale excavations have been carried out in the area surrounding the road. The findings included a palaeochannel (a former water course) and a neolithic and bronze age settlement.

The water course offered valuable clues about early vegetation in the area, and soil, which included traces of pollen, was sent off for tests.

Traces of dandelion indicated that the land was cleared and there was evidence of cereals being grown.

And at the settlement, bits of cracked stone were found, giving evidence to claims that some of the earliest houses in Herefordshire were built in the area.

http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/3645073.Hereford_s_Ribbon_has_backing_of_government/
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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 Early Bronze ages when farming first became a mainstay of local life.

Flint tools found at the site include finely flaked scrapers for wood working and meat preparation, and “strike-a-lights” to produce sparks against iron pyrites.

The latter struck the assessors as particularly unusual as such strikes were usually kept among personal items and not casually discarded.

Of the 143 pieces of flint found, many also showed evidence of burning and breakage – again, unusual compared to flint found on similar sites.

The report concludes that the Ribbon was a “special monument” hosting ceremonial activity and may be one of several in that area.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for environment, said the findings of the report were “very exciting” and work would now begin on the Ribbon’s “unanswered questions” like its actual extent.

http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/3161281.Remains_at_ribbon_site/
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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.herefordtimes.com/news/3187790.New_archaeological_discovery_at_Rotherwas/
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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/hereford/worcs/7370664.stm
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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 a realistic prospect of conviction," said a Crown Prosecution Service spokesman.

One of the eight, Martin Wyness, said: "I thought it was a bit heavy-handed but I have no problems with the police, I blame the council."

There has been a major row since archaeologists found the massive ancient serpent cut into landscape when they went in ahead of contractors building a £12.5 million relief road from the A49 to Hereford's main industrial estate.

http://www.westpress.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=146278&command=displayContent&sourceNode=146274&contentPK=18585807&folderPk=75999&pNodeId=146265
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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 transparency and democracy. The overwhelming support for openness is being ignored.”
Campaigners and opposition councillors who sat on the committee claim the decision was invalid for a number of reasons, including a failure to discuss certain evidence pertaining to the importance of the find, and a lack of key witnesses.

However, Councillor Bob Matthews, chair of the environment scrutiny committee, explained the committee had sought to “achieve a balance” in accommodating many strongly held views.

The Committee also dismissed accusations that the council had kept the find secret from the public but it did note that information flow within the council had ‘fell short of that normally expected’. It recommended work should be set in place to address for the future the problems presented by this period when cabinet and councillor roles were in a state of flux.

The recommendations of the committee will now go back to the council’s cabinet for further consideration.

More information on the Ribbon can be found on the Herefordshire Archaeology website. See the campaigners’ website at http://www.rotherwasribbon.com.

http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART50991.html
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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?

Copies of e-mails to officers and contractors released under Freedom of Information include quotes from Mairead Lane, the Construction Project Team Leader on May 11th, two months before the discovery of the Ribbon was made public by the BBC Today programme. Ms Lane wrote: “There is a political dimension to the issue, which everyone seems to be aware of... [The find has] ...undoubted national and potential international significance. Ms Lane went on to discuss how “we could turn around a potentially bad publicity situation…”.

She concludes “Further discussion will be needed as a solution is reached to agree an approach to publicity which best benefits the Council / consultant and contractors.”

Campaign Co-ordinator Bob Clay said: “No officers appear to have considered the Ribbon or the public! The delay in releasing information was clearly a political decision to avoid negative publicity, but made by supposedly impartial officers.”

We always said that there was a political dimension to the way the Ribbon discovery was handled. This was denied but these documents prove it beyond doubt. It is outrageous that elected members were kept totally in the dark for 2 months.”

Other documents include a claim by John Burnett (Council PR) that English Heritage told the Council back in early July that they were “very unlikely” to schedule the monument – but that the Council “are not saying this publicly”. English Heritage had not had time to consider it properly at this stage.

Mr Clay added: “It seems that the Council successfully staged a “cover-up” of this huge discovery for two months, hoping to get the road continued before adequate consideration of alternatives could take place.

English Heritage have said that they cannot make a decision on scheduling until the full extent of the Ribbon is ascertained. The Council implied this would take 6 months and decided it was ‘too expensive’ to delay the road. We have evidence that the extent of the Ribbon could have been established several weeks ago at around four thousand pounds only. Only when the extent of the Ribbon is known can an informed decision be made about the road. This is something the Council do not wish to have. They want the road at all costs – including local democratic procedures.”

THE SCRUTINY: Are the Council's scrutiny procedures sub standard?

The Cabinet have ‘welcomed’ call-in of their decision by the Environment Scrutiny Committee. However it is now becoming clear that the Scrutiny procedures within Herefordshire Council fall well short of the standards adopted by other Authorities. Herefordshire Council’s scrutiny processes are at variance with the guidelines as follows: -

Government guidelines require that local authorities should provide overview and scrutiny committees with a budget. In Herefordshire there are no such budgets. So the Committ

Read the rest of this post...
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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 backed measures to carry on with the road and preserve the monument under sand and protective layers of membrane.

Bob Clay, of the Save The Rotherwas Ribbon Campaign, said: "This is an important step in the restoration of democracy and common sense."

Coun John Jarvis, cabinet member for the environment, welcomed the news that the issue would be discussed by the scrutiny committee.

"We believe the council should take every opportunity to ensure it is doing the right thing to protect the Rotherwas Ribbon, explore opportunities for tourism and complete the Rotherwas access road to safeguard existing and future jobs in Hereford," he said.

"The views of the scrutiny committee are a key part of the council's democratic process. Its role will be to test the accountability and transparency of any decisions taken by the council so it is right that it scrutinises the decision and any backgroundmaterial."

He added that the council was working hard to balance a number of conflicting views. "Making everyone happy is mission impossible, of course, but we have listened to all views and expert advice in coming to a decision that we feel reflects the needs of community as a whole," he said.

Last Thursday, cabinet considered a 50- page report on how the Ribbon could be best preserved. The issue is now expected to be discussed by the scrutiny committee on September 24.

http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/latest/display.var.1689522.0.ribbon_scrutiny_welcomed.php
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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 determine how public access to the Ribbon could be achieved, evaluating the potential for a permanent visitor centre.

“We have listened to all the arguments, as well as expert advice, not least English Heritage and professional archaeologists, and we have agreed the best possible way of protecting the Rotherwas Ribbon for future generations, as well as exploring opportunities for tourism and education,” said Councillor John Jarvis, cabinet member for the environment.

The news will come as a blow to several campaign groups who have been fighting to preserve the Rotherwas Ribbon and to stop the local council’s road builidng plans for the Rothewas area.

However councillor Jarvis insisted the council had carefully weighed up all the options.

“The options to build the road around, over or underneath the Rotherwas Ribbon were simply not even remotely viable,” he said. “At the end of the day we know those who simply want to stop the road will not be happy, but people who genuinely care about the protection of the Rotherwas Ribbon and want to find out more about its extent and character can be assured that we have taken the right course of action.”

The save the Dinedor Serpent Campaign is holding a Public Meeting to disciss the decision at the Friend’s Meeting House, 21 King St, Hereford, at 7pm on September 7. See http://www.rotherwasribbon.com for more information.

http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART50354.html
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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 safeguarded for future generations.

These include abandoning the road, which the council says would cost £6 million, building a bridge at the cost of £10 million, or creating a £110 million tunnel underneath the Ribbon.

If any of these options are approved council officers are warning that the county faces serious financial challenges and other important projects would be halted.

Instead, officers are recommending that the building of the road continues, at a cost of £400,000, and that the existing find is protected, in line with archaeological best practice.

Additionally, the presumed course of the Ribbon, both north and south of the access road, should be investigated to ensure opportunities for tourism, heritage and education are explored.

The council stopped work on the road around the site of the Ribbon earlier this year when the significance of the find was established.

Plans to protect it were initially put on hold after public demands to see it - around 1,000 people were given escorted tours during July.

http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/herefordnewslatest/display.var.1653857.0.0.php
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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 council officers in a statement, would cost £10m, posing financial challenges to the county.

English Heritage is considering further archaeological investigations of the Ribbon outside the road corridor. Only part of the stone path is affected by the road scheme, and there is no intention of destroying any of it.

Work on the road stopped earlier this year when the significant structure was discovered, and there was high public demand for tours of the site. A campaign was launched to protect the feature and divert the road. Supporters were angered when the council initially failed to provide waterproof covering for the stones during torrential rains – these were later put in place.

More information on the Ribbon can be found on the Herefordshire Archaeology website. See the campaigners’ website at http://www.rotherwasribbon.com.

http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART50187.html
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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 that a protective shield is built over the Ribbon.

But campaigners want the road to be diverted around the ancient feature, which they say could be as important an archaeological site as Stonehenge.

Mr Clay said to BBC News Online of the £110m figure: "I do find it extraordinary.

"I think it's a case of building up a straw man to knock it down.

'Financial challenges'

"That they've (the council) used the figure this way makes one suspicious of how they're approaching the whole matter.

"I think this is designed to mislead the public."

The council has warned that if any of the measures are adopted other than the one its officers have proposed the county will face "serious financial challenges".

It added that spending money on the Ribbon could cause other important projects to be halted.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/6970095.stm
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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://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/6916859.stm
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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 – conservation, protection

Conservation is a philosophy which promotes a positive relationship between change and preservation (green 1981) Problems dealt with before they become serious.

Protection – threats identified and main aim of any action taken is to avert them – close definition area and threats against which it is shielded.

Exploitation presentation of site to public
Safety issues

Rescue excavation – preserve on paper what can’t be saved due to overiding devt need.
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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/
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    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 without members of the public present. The Rotherwas Ribbon issue was not on the agenda.

A statement from Herefordshire Council said: "While those initially attending the meeting did so by invitation to the public, that invitation was conditional on them allowing the meeting of the Cabinet to proceed in accordance with the Local Government Act 2000.

"Despite several requests from the chairman they have refused to comply with the ruling of the chair and the meeting has had to be abandoned and removed elsewhere.

"In taking this action those initially invited have breached the terms of that invitation and in the view of the council are now trespassing on council property. They had been requested to leave and refused to do so."

Police later confirmed eight people had been arrested for 'aggravated trespass’ under the Public Order Act.

Earlier, around 20 campaigners staged a peaceful protest with placards outside Herefordshire Council's offices at 1.45pm.

The campaigners gathered ahead of the full cabinet meeting.

To ensure the Rotherwas Ribbon remained intact, the council said plans had been drawn up to encase the find and preserve it within a protective structure beneath the new road.

Among today's protestors was Jim Hamey, who covered his body in blue paint and daubed a serpent onto his chest.

The 46-year-old former sub-postmaster of Holme Lacy village, said: "This find is a very important piece of history. It has no parallels in Europe. Tourism must be one of the main industries in Herefordshire.”

Nick Preece, from Clehonger, has sprayed a ‘Save the Rotherwas Ribbon’ slogan on his camper van.

Mr Preece, a Royal Mail supervisor in Hereford, said: “I am incensed by the council’s attitude that they were going to continue with the road. At the end of the day, the Rotherwas Ribbon is on a par with Stonehenge and it should be kept for future generations to enjoy.”

He added: “There should be a proper consultation process over this matter – it’s important that a rushed decision is not made.”

Another protestor, David Beresford, said: “I was so incensed when I heard about the plans to cement over the finding. There was a strong feeling that the council was trying to press on with the relief road development.”

Herefordshire Council's Deputy Leader, June French, addressed protestors ahead of the meeting and said the council was awaiting a full report from English Heritage.

Speaking outside in the afternoon sunshine, Cllr French reassured the group that work on the Rotherwas Relief Road had now stopped and that the issue would be discussed at the council's next cabinet meeting in a month’s time.

She also revealed there is to be an internal investigation into how the council 'managed the news' of the Rotherwas

Read the rest of this post...
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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?
    [ Reply to This ]
      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]
      [ Reply to This ]

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 protesters refused to leave a Herefordshire Council building until Cabinet members guaranteed a full public consultation. The protestors, including some in their 70s and 80s, were eventually escorted from the premises by police and arrested on charges of 'aggressive trespass'.

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. A further five people have been released on bail and are due to return to Hereford Police Station on July 25.
"All the Council had to do was guarantee a proper public debate, and then this would not have happened", said campaigner and Green party member Rob Hattersley. "What do they have to hide? Those arrested are the Hereford suffragettes - all because Herefordshire Council won't be open and democratic in its procedures."

Construction on the site, which is believed by archaeologists to date to around 2000BC - the time of Stonehenge - has been paused and members of the public have been allowed to view the site by appointment. But calls continue to grow for a full public consultation and for all elected councillors to have a say in the final decision.

“The key thing is to put pressure on the council to make them realise that this is a national find,” added Rob, “Herefordshire Council Cabinet shouldn’t be allowed to decide on something which is a national issue. We want it open to all councillors for debate and we want a full public debate about the site as well.”

“If they then decide to concrete over it after a six month consultation process, then fair enough, but they can’t do it now because local people – and even local councillors – haven’t been consulted.”

One of the councillors leading calls for more consultation is Green Party Councillor for the Rotherwas area, Gerald Dawe. Cllr Dawe’s electoral campaign focussed on the issues of the Rotherwas Relief Road, the route of which the Rotherwas Ribbon was discovered underneath.

The building of the road, together with a local housing scheme on the overlooking Dinedor Hill area, has been a local political hot potato.
“We have to have a debate,” said Councillor Dawe. “What does the electorate want: an access road to an industrial estate (which remember, already has a good road to it) and unaffordable housing? Or a new concept Heritage Park, connected to Hereford City by foot, wheelchair, bike, horse and canoe, linking to the river and riverside walks and views and to Dinedor Hill with hillside walks and views?”

For Herefordshire Council, Deputy Leader, Cllr June French responded: “Herefordshire Council acknowledges the right to speak and be heard and guarantees that the views of those who have protested…will be taken into account through the normal democratic process.”

Cllr French added that the report from English Heritage would then be considered by the Cabinet.

Read the rest of this post...
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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 benefits that can be gleaned by keeping the site whole and on display.
    AW
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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) long ribbon of stones, found by road builders, could be as important as Stonehenge.

Inspectors from English Heritage visited the site on Monday to investigate if it is worthy to be granted ancient monument status.

If inspectors schedule the monument, work on the road will have to stop.

It is made up of a series of deliberately fire-cracked stones and appears to have been deliberately sculptured to undulate through the whole of its length that has so far been uncovered.

Archaeologists have said there are no parallels to the site in the rest of Europe, with the closest similar artefact being the 2,000-year-old Serpent Mound of the Ohio River valley in the US, a 1,330ft (405m) long effigy of a serpent.

A petition set up on Monday calling for Prime Minister Gordon Brown to step in and save the Ribbon has attracted nearly 500 signatures.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/6895710.stm
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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 DONT want money just good advice people.
This state of affairs stems from the 3 break- ins i have had on my flat in GOLDENPOST since 2003. I dont feel like living there anymore as my life has been taken away from me.
In october 2006 i was broken into and most of my lifes bits and pieces were either stolen or vandalised.
What chance do i stand in this nasty world we live in.
S.O.S. .............F.J.B. Ex Royal Navy.



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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.
    [ Reply to This ]
    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.
[ Reply to This ]
    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.
    [ Reply to This ]
    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.
    [ Reply to This ]
    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 industrial estate at Rotherwas, on three occasions.

The work, which started in April, is now being paid for by a combination of money from regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and housing developers.

Ward councillor Gerald Dawe, who is fighting to save the Ribbon, said: "What we're going to have is a road which no-one wants, going over a part of our history which has a lot of public support.

"This would be a good excuse for the council to stop work on an unpopular road."

Campaigner Rob Hattersley said the site could be turned into a heritage site, attracting tourists to the area.


'Tourism potential'

Mr Hattersley, who runs the campaign's website, said: "Even something like a model of what it would have looked like and an explanation of what it was would be fascinating.

"We've been contacted by historical experts in Salisbury with the experience of having Stonehenge who say that Herefordshire Council needs to listen to the great tourism potential this could bring."

Council chiefs have said the English Heritage inspectors are "completely satisfied" with how they have been handling the situation so far.

However, local campaigners have said recent downpours have led to part of the trail being washed away and say the feature needs more permanent protection before it is too late.

The council's highways and transport spokesman Councillor Brian Wilcox said the road was essential for Herefordshire's economic growth.

He added that he had been contacted by businesses threatening to pull out of the area unless the plans went ahead.

He said: "It is an essential provision. We need it to guarantee extra economic development in this area, and we have the backing of major bodies like Advantage West Midlands who can see how vital it is."

The council is producing a CD-Rom of the site to show the feature from all angles so it can be kept on record and to show future generations in case the road-building work goes ahead.

It is also offering escorted trips around the site next week.

'Money back'


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 th

Read the rest of this post...
[ Reply to This ]

'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 started in April, is now being paid for by a combination of money from regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and housing developers.

Ward councillor Gerald Dawe, who is fighting to save the Ribbon, said: "What we're going to have is a road which no-one wants, going over a part of our history which has a lot of public support.

"This would be a good excuse for the council to stop work on an unpopular road."

Campaigner Rob Hattersley said the site could be turned into a heritage site, attracting tourists to the area.


'Tourism potential'

Mr Hattersley, who runs the campaign's website, said: "Even something like a model of what it would have looked like and an explanation of what it was would be fascinating.

"We've been contacted by historical experts in Salisbury with the experience of having Stonehenge who say that Herefordshire Council needs to listen to the great tourism potential this could bring."

Council chiefs have said the English Heritage inspectors are "completely satisfied" with how they have been handling the situation so far.

However, local campaigners have said recent downpours have led to part of the trail being washed away and say the feature needs more permanent protection before it is too late.

The council's highways and transport spokesman Councillor Brian Wilcox said the road was essential for Herefordshire's economic growth.

He added that he had been contacted by businesses threatening to pull out of the area unless the plans went ahead.

He said: "It is an essential provision. We need it to guarantee extra economic development in this area, and we have the backing of major bodies like Advantage West Midlands who can see how vital it is."

The council is producing a CD-Rom of the site to show the feature from all angles so it can be kept on record and to show future generations in case the road-building work goes ahead.

It is also offering escorted trips around the site next week.

'Money back'


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

Read the rest of this post...
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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 be built over the top of it.

English Heritage, who have been advising the council on the preservation of the site since it was first discovered, issued a statement on July 10, which read: “In the long term, English Heritage considers that this is a significant find worthy of being fully recorded for future research and protected in-situ.”

“Each part of the find is very fragile and by keeping the remains in their context they can help us understand how people used to live in this landscape setting. English Heritage will make sure the local authority has access to its expertise in this process.”
The fragile ribbon is made up of a series of deliberately fire-cracked stones, laid in a planned mosaic running north to south at a right angle across the planned route for the new road.

Although the precise ritual use of the site is still unknown, experts say the only parallel is to be found at the 2,000-year-old Serpent Mound in the Ohio River valley in the US, which is a 1,330ft (405m) long effigy of a serpent.

“English Heritage specialists concur with us that the find is extremely fragile and should not be moved,” said County Archaeologist Dr Keith Ray.

It is however now up to English Heritage to advise the council on the precise preservation measures and to make the decision whether or not to schedule the remarkable find as an Ancient Scheduled Monument. The latter option would bring an end to the road building and give the council the problem of what to do with an archaeological site that many are already dubbing Herefordshire’s Stonehenge.

“English Heritage have been involved right from the word go, and they have supported our approach to date,” Herefordshire Council’s Senior Press Officer John Burnett told the 24 Hour Museum. “The only way to really preserve it is to encase it in a protective covering, already with the recent rain it has deteriorated – so we can’t leave it open to the elements or it will deteriorate further.”

However, a flurry of comments has been posted on the local BBC Herefordshire website overwhelmingly opposing the option of encasing the find underneath the road.
To respond in part to the local interest, the council has unveiled details of arrangements to allow more people to view the recently unearthed feature. Escorted visits have now been arranged to run between 1pm and 4.30pm from Monday to Saturday next week, July 16 to July 21.

English Heritage added that while it agrees with Herefordshire Council that controlled public access should be afforded, they will “ensure the local authority covers the remains to protect them from bad weather.”

English Heritage say a decision on scheduling will be taken in due course and will be informed by further analysis and interpretation of the site. For more information about the scheduling process see the English Heritage website

Anyone wanting t

Read the rest of this post...
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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, up to a maximum of 25 per half-hour visit.

Visitors should arrive at least ten minutes prior to their selected time as they will need to complete a form setting out health and safety requirements.

They should also wear stout shoes, and if the weather is wet, they should consider bringing Wellingtons.

http://www.24dash.com/news/2/24016/index.htm
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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.
    [ Reply to This ]
    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...
    [ Reply to This ]
    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 be built over the top of it.

    English Heritage, who have been advising the council on the preservation of the site since it was first discovered, issued a statement on July 10, which read: “In the long term, English Heritage considers that this is a significant find worthy of being fully recorded for future research and protected in-situ.”

    “Each part of the find is very fragile and by keeping the remains in their context they can help us understand how people used to live in this landscape setting. English Heritage will make sure the local authority has access to its expertise in this process.”
    The fragile ribbon is made up of a series of deliberately fire-cracked stones, laid in a planned mosaic running north to south at a right angle across the planned route for the new road.

    Although the precise ritual use of the site is still unknown, experts say the only parallel is to be found at the 2,000-year-old Serpent Mound in the Ohio River valley in the US, which is a 1,330ft (405m) long effigy of a serpent.

    “English Heritage specialists concur with us that the find is extremely fragile and should not be moved,” said County Archaeologist Dr Keith Ray.

    It is however now up to English Heritage to advise the council on the precise preservation measures and to make the decision whether or not to schedule the remarkable find as an Ancient Scheduled Monument. The latter option would bring an end to the road building and give the council the problem of what to do with an archaeological site that many are already dubbing Herefordshire’s Stonehenge.

    “English Heritage have been involved right from the word go, and they have supported our approach to date,” Herefordshire Council’s Senior Press Officer John Burnett told the 24 Hour Museum. “The only way to really preserve it is to encase it in a protective covering, already with the recent rain it has deteriorated – so we can’t leave it open to the elements or it will deteriorate further.”

    However, a flurry of comments has been posted on the local BBC Herefordshire website overwhelmingly opposing the option of encasing the find underneath the road.
    To respond in part to the local interest, the council has unveiled details of arrangements to allow more people to view the recently unearthed feature. Escorted visits have now been arranged to run between 1pm and 4.30pm from Monday to Saturday next week, July 16 to July 21.

    English Heritage added that while it agrees with Herefordshire Council that controlled public access should be afforded, they will “ensure the local authority covers the remains to protect them from bad weather.”

    English Heritage say a decision on scheduling will be taken in due course and will be informed by further analysis and interpretation of the site. For more information about the scheduling process see the English Heritage website

    Anyone wanting t

    Read the rest of this post...
    [ Reply to This ]

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.

Sign this petition to send a message to Herefordshire Council and the Government that the Rotherwas Ribbon must be saved for the nation.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/rotherwas/
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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.

    [ Reply to This ]

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 to view and therefore learn to respect their own heritage. There is a disturbingly elitist tone that seems to want to deprive 'the masses' from access to their heritage.

If Mr Sworn is correct in saying it's made of small stones I can't see that allowing heavy lorries over it will help much.

Hereford would gain much more from having this as a protected monument and tourist attraction which earns money than a cul-de-sac to an industrial estate which will cost tax payers.
[ Reply to This ]
    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 taking time out from a 'live' excavation to contribute directly to us and I'm hoping more will follow. This is pretty unprecedented and if he gets slated then he may not continue, please keep it civil.
    Thanks
    [ Reply to This ]

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 vandalisium. If this monument was exposed for any lenght of time it would be lost for ever, the proposal for the CAREFUL re-burying, envolving detailed prtection under protective membranes and fine sand would allow the monument to be preserved for the future. Ask any archaeologist what is the best way to preserve any archaeological find and the answer is always 'preservation in situ', unless there is a threat from other forces, such as erosion. This monument will by preserved in the best and most carefull way, and those of us who wish to visit, the local council and the construction group have now organised seven open days.
Thank you, that is all!
[ Reply to This ]

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 dark. Allowing only 200 people to view it for a few minutes this weekend is completely inadequate. We need council leaders to involve the whole council and local people in coming up with a more imaginative solution than burying Hereford's Stonehenge under concrete."

Cllr. Dawe has asked Council officials if English Heritage knew and when? How long has the importance of the site has been known, which councillors did know about it and when, and who has made the decision to concrete over the find and keep this decision secret from both public and elected representatives? He is still waiting for a reply.

“With such a significant find we must immediately pause the building of this road to allow further research and a national discussion about what can be done. The road will cost £12.5 million yet as a county we earn £170 million from tourism. The Stonehenge and Salisbury Tourism partnership say this could bring revenue to Hereford and they are right. So why on earth would we pour concrete over it?”

More: http://www.rotherwasribbon.com/
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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
[ Reply to This ]

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 route. It may be a common-place thing, but I'd not encountered one before - usually finding just a muddy trackway. (NB: Two long straight-ish tracks crossed at almost right-angles in the first meadow.) 'Joe' said there was once a monastery over that way, so perhaps they dated from then.
      Going back to Brodgar: If there had been a stone pathway under my feet, I'd never have seen it, as the vegetation was so tall, and rather dewy, so I ended up with very wet jeans!
      Have emailed my original Brodgar plans to Andy B for his comments.
      (I DO remember being elated that evening when I got back to my accomodation at Skaill Bay, thinking that I may have been privy to the secrets of the ancient priests of Brodgar!!)
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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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