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Forum: General Forum
Moderated by : Andy B , TimPrevett , Klingon , sem , MickM , TheCaptain , bat400 , coldrum , davidmorgan , Runemage , SolarMegalith
Respond to: Vandalism in many guises
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Runemage
Joined:
15-07-2005
Messages: 2412
from UK
 OFF-Line
|  New Message Posted!2012-06-06 23:35
It doesn't seem to be confined to the UK either, considering the variety of reports we receive.
The most effective way of protecting a site seems to evolve when the local community are approached and shown what a treasure they have on their doorstep. For a recent example, look at what was achieved at Dove Holes, all of that stemmed from one person deciding to do something about it. [Is he blushing I wonder?]
Much of the problem with petty vandalism etc. is caused at sites that to a casual observer just look like a few random bumps in the landscape. People genuinely don't know that they are destroying a significant piece of pre-history as they literally can't see it for what it is. Education before the action would be an ideal rather than a rant and demanding punishment afterwards, but where to start with that apart from one site at a time I haven't a clue.
Modern desecration by official sources, Lismullen looms large in the whole N3 fiasco on my list alongside the Rotherwas Ribbon, both cursorily recorded and obliterated in the name of progress. Thornborough Henges are now left in an area of archaeological desert, no hope of ever finding who built them and why.
As for the corporate variety, it seems to be always based upon the best idea for preservation at the time it's carried out, within massive budgetary constraints. Unfortunately, few of these decisions seem to stand the test of time.
Rune
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4clydesdale7
Joined:
27-05-2011
Messages: 45
OFF-Line
| New Message Posted!2012-06-06 18:38
It is most disappointing to read yet another report of vandalism to an ancient site in Gloucestershire - Windmill Tump must be one of the county's real treasures - whilst I accept that the former District Councillor puts the damage down to 'lack of respect', in this instance I do not think the comment made would have the slightest effect on the situation - those who left their detritus (bottles and cans) do not know the meaning of the word 'respect' so how could they possibly show it - but their actions are not the only examples of lack of respect over the past 150 years - some from those who should know better and often profess to do so!
Let me take you back to the late 1800s - Archaeologists (Professional and Amateur) and Treasure Seekers (we now call them Grave Robbers) ran amok over the County - excavations were ill-disciplined and ill-recorded - very few sites were left untouched by our forebears - at least the Romans 1800 years earlier buried their dead at ancient sites and essentially added to Camps to better fortify them
Then in the 20th Century when farming mechanisation grew Long and Round Barrows started to be eroded by the plough - some were completely removed - new entrances appeared at Camps and Hillforts - and the process continues today - should I mention the Priddy Circles (perhaps not they are in Somerset where the same disease is rampant)?
Then along come National and Local 'Authorities' (Governmental and Institutional even 'Charitable') who cannot resist getting in on the
act, some relying upon helpful advice given by our 'poor' academic community (no doubt in need of funds even having charged £9k per yr fees) and we get secondary excavation, alleged refurbishment and reconstruction (next there will be some sort of Megalithic Theme Park).
MegPort should shout loudly against the 'Vandals' but do we really know who they are?
At least in Tetbury they can clear away the cans/bottles and put a few small stones back; in Stroud they washed off some graffiti/candle
wax/soot etc and then some bright spark authorised a complete rebuild at a well known Tump - but there are examples all over the County - down the road they removed a 'roof' and then in Cirencester they gave up at Notgrove but rebuilt in a smaller scale at Guiting Power
[ This message was edited by: 4clydesdale7 on 2012-06-06 18:49 ]
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