Last Sunday the archaeological record of Weyhill Fair was damaged (legally) by an unstructured detecting rally (sans archaeological input or presence). See here. Prompted by that, this week we submitted a formal proposal to English Heritage for the site to be scheduled. For them to do that it would need to be a place which includes deliberately created elements, which it is, and be at risk of damage which it is. It also would have to be of national importance according to set DCMS criteria. So is it of national importance? Well, here’s how it measures up to the criteria:
- Extent of survival – partial building survival above ground, extensive artefact survival below ground.
- Current condition – pretty good, evidently.
- Rarity – extreme – because it’s the best of its type.
- Representivity, either through its range of features or because of its exemplary importance – inarguably excellent on both counts
- Importance of the period to which the monument dates – it extends over the whole of English history and probably into prehistory so the “period” is extremely important.
- Fragility – Extreme – if further artefact hunting rallies are allowed.
- Connection to other monuments, or group value – as said above, it’s the very best of its type.
- Potential to contribute to our information, understanding and appreciation – massive. Who could possibly deny it?
- Extent of documentation enhancing the monument’s significance, whether through related archival material or through the fruits of subsequent research – what makes this place so precious is the massive potential for future documentation and research.
We recall that a few years ago two fields near the Roman site of Durobrivae (Water Newton) were subject to emergency scheduling a few days in advance of a detecting rally. Unlike Weyhill those fields didn’t conform with many of the above criteria so the case for scheduling Weyhill seems mighty strong. This is a really important issue. A major asset is in need of protection and we hope support for that is forthcoming from both the public and professionals.
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More Heritage Journal views on artefact collecting
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The Heritage Journal 
6 comments
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04/10/2014 at 10:38
Edwin
Shared on facebook. Of course it should be scheduled. If someone was capable a book or study on the Southern Sheep fairs would be brilliant if anyone knows of one or could write one.
04/10/2014 at 13:21
bluetooth
You have actually got to the crux of the various debates. Providing better protection to sites that we value is the way forward. This is the way to regulate artefact hunting, not at the level of the hunter but at where and what he hunts,in the same way shooters are regulated over what they shoot at. Better protection of things society values is far clearer to everyone.
06/10/2014 at 17:47
Ian Larby
As someone who attended, have I done something wrong ?
11/11/2014 at 23:17
Luis Carter
Why dont we schedule this site so that blokes can write books about it and get paid for the books they write to benefit society with their opinions
Blokes drink cups of tea in office,eat cakes go to meetings and squabble over right and wrong and want to write about great men of the past of which they do not understand one iota.
We shud schedule everything,including our fottsteps that we walked yesterday so that those in 100 years can see our footsteps that we walked and cherish the idea while they sit in their offices with cups of tea an go on day trips to speculate on the past
12/11/2014 at 20:47
Mohammad Robinson
I agree we should schedule this place quickly. In this manner a kiosk should be placed on the site so people have to pay a minimum of £3 to view this amazing field. Plus we can also charge for Parking which will bring more money to ensure the empty field is kept alive. This will allow people to see the empty space and imagine people of the past with their own ideas. Perhaps make an eco-friendly cafe there so they can further enhance their experience.
Go heritage!
13/11/2014 at 02:27
heritageaction
I presume you’re joking? Yes it’s an “empty field” but shouldn’t it be protected because of the knowledge it contains? Lots of places such as battlefields are.