LETTERS Saving the Stones
Sir: Mr Kavanagh (Postscript, 6 July) professes not to have read anywhere of the past damage caused by the Stonehenge pop festival, which led to the injunctions being served this year. I can only conclude that his reading of newspapers has been ex- traordinarily selective. Ever since 11 April, when a well-attended press conference explained at length the reasons for banning the festival, most of the national and regional news media mentioned the archaeological damage done to the land. It was referred to in several leaders, and in May and June there were even arguments about it in the letters columns of the Times and Guardian.
In 1984 (not to mention earlier years) irreversible damage was done to Bronze Age barrows and other features by the digging of rubbish holes, latrine trenches, generator pits and even a pit for a bread oven. Fences were torn up for firewood and about 1,000 trees cut down. There was every reason to suppose this pattern would occur again in 1985. This was what made the barbed wire, dogs and suspension of the solstice ceremonies all regrettably necessary. Now we are all pleased that the wire has come down and Stonehenge can be enjoyed again – yes, even by those with long hair and colourful clothing. Once the prolonged encampment is a thing of the past, we would want to see a solstice event again celebrated at midsummer. I hope this soothes some of Mr Kavanagh's 'general unease'.
Lord Montagu of Beaulieu
Chairman, English Heritage, Fortress House, 23 Savile Row, London W1
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