Time to stop solstice stones access

Stonehenge and its Environs 134

Image by moss

juamei Feb 24, 2015 12:23:54

The Curator of the stones updated the roundtable with damage from last years winter solstice; lichen removed, offerings, people trying to start a fire in a depression... Most significantly and disturbing though is there is now a strip of oil on every stone, they cant remove it and its visible from the path. Add that to the graffiti from last years summer solstice that was on top of axe markings that is still visible.

Its time we had no more stone access for solstice, as clearly some of the revellers cant be trusted not to ruin it for everyone. And I mean all people, not just the ones who rockup for solstice.

More here:
https://heritageaction.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/annual-vandalism-at-stonehenge-may-we-please-request-that-it-is-stopped/

thesweetcheat Feb 24, 2015 19:06:55

Replying to juamei

Some of the comments suggest a range of opinion on the subject :)

I've never entirely understood the attitude EH take to the solstice visitors myself, particularly the summer solstice. Any arguments over religion are spurious at best. If you let that many people have access to the stones for one day, it seems like double standards to bar everyone else from them the rest of the time.

The current policy feels a bit like making an annual ritual sacrifice to a sea god or something. The thinking seems to be that it can be accepted because you only have to survive one night and everything will be okay again (until next time).

I do wonder if making the stones more accessible all year round (i.e. letting visitors inside the circle) might reduce the numbers who attend the solstice events, if part of the attraction is being able to get up close to the stones. Dunno if this is true though.

tjj Feb 24, 2015 23:01:33

Replying to juamei

juamei wrote:

Its time we had no more stone access for solstice, as clearly some of the revellers cant be trusted not to ruin it for everyone. And I mean all people, not just the ones who rockup for solstice.

More here:
https://heritageaction.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/annual-vandalism-at-stonehenge-may-we-please-request-that-it-is-stopped/

Am very surprised there is not a wider reaction to this information. I wonder what sort of oil they are talking about on the stones and why ?? would anyone put it there. The time has come to place restrictions on numbers attending and to consider charging for the privilege of being inside the stone circle at the Solstices, even the Druids. I guess there is nothing to stop people having their all-night celebration in the fields outside of the Stonehenge, if they don't mind sheep sh*t that is.

tjj Feb 25, 2015 12:59:08

Replying to juamei

I've already made a comment on this and there are some interesting comments on the Heritage Action site which are worth reading (for anyone who hasn't).
English Heritage probably fear a riot if they stop people having access at the winter and summer solstices. The Druids think it is their right although everyone knows now it isn't. The word etiquette springs to mind - if only all the people attending gatherings were collectively respectful.

This comment caused a wry smile.
"Pull it down! Get on with your lives! That’s what the Ancients did 4,000 years ago… they abandonded (sic) it as meaningless. And got on with the Bronze Age. Stop living in The Past!"

Edit: Just seen this too - well done HA.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-31584718

CARL Feb 25, 2015 13:36:21

Replying to juamei

This is all rather ironic (in a sad way) considering on an 'official' visit inside the circle via the E.H. early/late visit (pay extra) you are not allowed to touch the stones. When I queried this with them last year I was assured there are stewards in place at the sostice to stop any damage occuring!! You couldn't make it up :(

nigelswift Feb 26, 2015 18:18:43

Replying to juamei

Excellent. A press report that hasn't mangled the story!
http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Onions-crayons-chewing-gum-oil-Stonehenge-got/story-26089702-detail/story.html

Monganaut Feb 26, 2015 20:42:41

Replying to juamei

TBH, this is the kind of cultural vandalism that we should be railing against, not access to an ancient monument a couple of times a year.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/26/isis-fighters-destroy-ancient-artefacts-mosul-museum-iraq

I'm sick of our heritage being pickled in aspic. Stonehenge has been around for quite a while, and it's taken it's fair share of knocks during that time (hell, didn't Victorians chisel off keepsake to take home). Historically, some of the biggest 'vandals' have been bloody archaeologist re-erecting stones and using concrete props etc... Things like the oil will degrade over time, even if it isn't breaking down straight away. I am horrified at how people behave at these sites, but I still agree to access without paying, to all sites.

thesweetcheat Mar 3, 2015 18:10:20

Replying to juamei

King Arthur [Pendragon] said the likes of Heritage Journal were simply stirring up the issue of damage because they wanted the stones closed off again.

"Heritage Journal have been doing that since they were formed in the first place," he said. "Basically they're just a number of archaeologists who don't want 'the great unwashed', as they see it, anywhere near Stonehenge."

"Obviously we abhor the vandalism. We always keep an eye out for these sorts of things. From my point of view, as a druid and a pagan priest, it's not on," he added.

http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Archaeologists-don-t-want-great-unwashed/story-26113310-detail/story.html