May 22, 2008
Vandalism at Stonehenge
Suspected souvenir hunters broke into Stonehenge and vandalised the ancient monument, English Heritage has said.From the BBC. This should also call into question the continuing practice of allowing large crowds -- tens of thousands, last year -- direct access to the stones on occasions such as the summer solstice. During such all-night parties, what are the chances of preventing the taking of souvenir chips here and there?A hammer and screwdriver were used to take a small chip the size of a 10p piece from the side of the Heel Stone.
English Heritage said further damage was prevented by security guards who spotted the two men at the 5,000-year-old site in Wiltshire. . .
English Heritage said souvenir hunting was once a legitimate practice and chisels used to be handed out to people visiting the stones.
Posted by David on May 22, 2008 3:37 PM
Perhaps an enterprising business person could go to the area where the stones were quarried ( I think that is known as Carn Menyn in the Preseli Hills of Pembrokeshire.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_west/4123764.stm), gather up some look alike chips, and set up a stand...the same basic stone, no damage to the artifact itself, and a portion of the proceeds donated toward maintenance of the site...
Probably "not allowed" in today's England...capitalism and entrepreneurship are frowned upon...
Posted by: doug in colorado on May 23, 2008 4:36 PM
Open up a chipstand on the grounds? :-)
Posted by: doug in colorado on May 23, 2008 4:37 PM
This incident doesn't appear to be related to the summer solstice at all, which isn't until June. Anyway, what's the problem with large crowds at Stonehenge at the summer solstice? - From your previous post on Stonehenge - why were you and your friends left 'shaking your heads' at pictures of people having fun? Surely this is more in the spirit of the site than the English Heritage gravel paths, commentary handsets and (now defunct) visitor centre?
Posted by: will on May 24, 2008 9:58 AM
I would much rather see folks celebrating Stonehenge than 'studying' Stonehenge. That certainly seems more appropriate. I was very 'underwhelmed' when I visited. Keeping so far away from the stones was a disappointment. I certainly don't condone chipping away at it for a souvenir, but I wish I had been there at summer solstice when I could actually get closer and truly experience Stonehenge. My visit felt like every other tourist trap in the world.
Posted by: Laura on May 29, 2008 6:34 PM
cronaca.com