You are currently browsing heritageaction’s articles.
By Nigel Swift
The point of banging a drum is that it needs to be a repetitive process. One drum that I’ve been banging for many years is yet to be heard, as was illustrated yet again this week by a detectorist. Asked what a farmer should be told he says:
Yet metal detecting is only tolerated in Britain on the basis that it is “responsible”, i.e. finds will be reported. Anything else is unacceptable and damaging. Why won’t PAS tell farmers so?
.
__________________________________________
More Heritage Journal views on artefact collecting
__________________________________________
This magnificent image of winter solstice 2021 from English Heritage encapsulates the very purpose of Stonehenge. It also illustrates something that ought to be expressed far and wide: the existence of the road has a minute effect on the spectacle and the purpose. Why then pretend otherwise?
.
Amesbury’s mid-winter lantern procession will take place on Monday 20th December 2021. As in previous years, the procession will start at 5.15pm in the central car park and make its way to find the Solstice lantern which will have been lit at Stonehenge and placed in the grounds of Amesbury Abbey near the spring. Along the route, and with thanks to the Cornelius Reid family, there will be mulled wine, mince pies, and sweets for those taking part.
Places will be limited, if you wish to join in, you MUST register first with your name, postcode, and contact details at Amesbury Filling station. If you require a lantern (no naked flames or searchlights allowed) there will be some for sale at the garage and in other stores where the poster is on display.
.
Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) involves an alteration of visual perception in which the sizes of external objects are perceived incorrectly. Surely English Heritage is affected by that when it advertises for a Head of Visitor Attraction at Stonehenge (see below) and cites a key role as “maintaining exemplary conservation of the monument and landscape”.
As Professor Mike Parker Pearson explained to the Observer: “The world heritage site where Stonehenge sits is over 5km long but the tunnel is under 3km. This means a dual carriageway will emerge from both portals within this unique and protected landscape. There will be almost total destruction of all archaeological remains within its path.”
Imagine that! More damage to the Stonehenge World Heritage Site than has ever been caused, and English Heritage is supporting it! How will the new Head of Visitor Attraction paint that as “maintaining exemplary conservation of the monument and landscape”?
The Winter Solstice is imminent when people can visit without having to pay. That’s nice. But the event highlights something important about how things will be if a tunnel is constructed …
One of the HS2 machines.
(Bear in mind a 4-lane road is far wider than railway lines).
Listen to the sound of the Iron Age. Here is musician John Kenny playing a replica of the Deskford carnyx, an Iron Age war trumpet that dates from 80-200AD. The original was found in Scotland and is the only one known in Britain – until recently.
A miniature one was found in Surrey by a metal detectorist. Most people would think it should have been donated to a museum yet it has just been sold at auction for a modest £3,400, hardly a king’s ransom after commission and sharing with the landowner.
How did this happen? How could a detectorist with 30 years of experience ignore the obvious fact that it belonged in a museum and should have been donated? And what of the landowner? Who advised him in the matter? Would he have acted differently if he had been asked?
.
__________________________________________
More Heritage Journal views on artefact collecting
__________________________________________
It’s time to dream
Of Summer …
The Heritage Journal 
You must be logged in to post a comment.