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| Silbury
Archive 2000 |
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 Silbury Hill news, views and archive brought to you by Weird Wiltshire Introduction Latest News News Archive Excavations The Hole Beaker People What is it for? What Next? Postcards Wallpaper Links  |
First published on June 29, 2000 A MAJOR police and fire brigade operation was launched after a drunk German visitor staggered up Silbury Hill to celebrate the midsummer solstice after drinking a bottle of 1986 vintage banana and broad bean wine. Police, who have not named the German tourist, feared he could fall down the 50ft deep shaft which has opened up on top of the prehistoric mound. Officers were called when some revellers broke through safety cordons and climbed the hill just hours after the solstice sunrise. Most of the group soon climbed back down the hill, but one man slid under a metal sheeting cap which has been put up at the top of the hill. The cap covers a 200-year-old mineshaft which recently opened up after heavy rainfall, leaving a 50ft cavity with vertical sides. National Trust Avebury and World Heritage site property manager Chris Gingell tried to persuade the German to come out and be helped to safety. Mr Gingell said: "I personally went under the cover and negotiated with him for a while. He even came out for a while but then he crawled back in." Worried police called for help from Wiltshire Fire Brigade's rope rescue squad, and the 14-strong team remained on stand-by while police continued trying to persuade the man to come out from under the shelter. Eventually the German emerged under his own steam, clutching the remains of a bottle of 1986 banana and broad bean home made wine. Two other empty bottles were found under the cover. Sgt Richard Guy led the man to safety at the bottom of the 130ft hill and he was taken to Marlborough police station but later released without charge. The steel barriers near the shaft have since been modified and this week structural engineers and archaeologists are meeting to discuss how to make the shaft safe. Back to 2000 index |
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