Polish immigrant at Rollright Stones

We noticed last week the 2005 paint damage has almost disappeared ….

May 2005 and July 2016

Eleven years it has taken. Which prompted us to wonder: if there was a severity scale for vandalism, how would you measure it? Maybe “how long will the change last” is a good measure. On that basis, breaking a lump of stone off is worst as that change is forever and painting the stones, thereby changing them for 11 years, comes second.

Then there are other, smaller changes which we noticed there….

Easily tidied up (except for the candle way which is a real pain for those who look after the site). But this one also looks minor, but isn’t…..

A polished pebble that has been forced in and now can’t be removed except by damaging the stone. So on the “how long will the change last” scale it could be there indefinitely and is one of the worst bits of damage. Best not do it then? In fact, best not change the stones at all? Instead, just capture some reflected photons, like this respectful American visitor did ….

or leave no trace of your visit, like this Polish immigrant did …..