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| Stone Formation Archive 1996 |
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 Stone Formations news, views, gallery and archive brought to you by Weird Wiltshire Introduction Latest News News Archive Stonehenge Stonehenge Project Stonehenge 360 Avebury Saviours Stones Village Solstice Wayland Smithy Long Barrow Woodhenge Gallery Summer Solstice Gallery 2002 Summer Solstice Gallery 2004 Postcards Wallpaper Links  |
First published on December 26, 1996 TWO of Avebury's giant ancient stones have been closed to the public following fears they could be on the verge of toppling over. National Trust officials acted after research showed the 20-tonne stones are leaning far more than when first examined in the 1720s. In a bid to safeguard the lives of the 500,000 tourists who visit the 4,000 year old stones every year, the trust has fenced off the massive rocks, known as The Cove. They are located inside the Northern Inner Circle close to the village's popular pub, The Red Lion. Chris Gingell, the NT's property manager for Avebury said: "We simply do not know if these stones are about to fall over but we have raised enough doubt. The stones represent a quite lethal hazard. We cannot take the risk. They lean very remarkably and more than they did in a whole range of drawings and photos taken over the last 100 years. "We would be at fault if we were aware of the danger and did not take steps. "In the short term we will put up secure fencing around the stones while we meet advisers from English Heritage and structural engineers to look at the next step." Mr Gingell could not say what measures might be taken to prevent the stones falling. Possibilities include setting the stones in concrete, a method used at the site by early 20th century archaeologist Alexander Kieller. It is believed that unrecorded treasure hunts could be responsible for weakening the base of the stones, as well as the demolition of buildings around The Cove. Pat McCann, landlord of the Red Lion, said: "If the NT does not do something soon then something will happen out there. From our point of view it is a good thing because if there is something wrong the NT has got to take precautions. "I do not mind if my customers get squashed after a few pints but not before they walk through the door. "I think people will accept it because they can see it is being done for a valid reason, to stop people getting hurt. At the moment it is hazardous to anybody walking round there, not just Red Lion customers. This is not just a sneaky way of fencing the whole area off slowly but surely." Other stones within the Avebury complex of monuments have collapsed without warning in the past. According to 18th Century archaeologist William Stukely the third stone of The Cove fell over in 1713. A stone in the West Kennet Avenue, scene of major vandalism in June, collapsed in 1889 as did one of the two Longstones in December 1911. Dr Kate Fielden, secretary of the Avebury Society, said: "It is a good thing the trust spotted this in good time. If it is the case that these stones are dangerous then something has to be done. Back to 1996 index |
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