Sir, Tom Holland (letter September 13) notes that archaeologists have found ancient remains across the Stonehenge world heritage site, and implies that a road tunnel would threaten more. He is correct, but this is a red herring. Any works close to Stonehenge must be preceded by an archaeological survey. In the latest announcement the proposed route has been adjusted to avoid newly discovered sites. It is inevitable, however, that not everything can be saved in this way, and then excavation must occur. Remains will be disturbed, scientific studies will be conducted and finds will go to the local museum. We will learn more about Stonehenge. The process – turning loss into enlightenment – is exactly the same for all excavations, including those that have impressed Holland. All archaeological excavation is both destructive and creative.
If there is a problem, it is that the two excavating sides – one led by pure inquiry, one by development – do not talk to each other enough. In the years ahead, it is vital that all organizations work together for the benefit of Stonehenge and the public.
Mike Pitts
Editor, British Archaeology
The Heritage Trust 
6 comments
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18/09/2017 at 4:41 pm
roygoutte
I would have preferred everything above surface myself but I suspect the bottom line to all of this is to make everyone pay to view Stonehenge. However, that aside, I agree with Mike 100% but it’s beginning to feel just like Brexit now where the ‘losers’ won’t accept the decision even after prolonged discussion where all points of view were deliberated upon and a decision made based on those very issues.
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27/09/2017 at 1:19 am
C.R.
“even after prolonged discussion where all points of view were deliberated upon” …. “just like Brexit” = ~facepalm~
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19/09/2017 at 6:43 am
StonehengeNews
Reblogged this on Stonehenge News and Information.
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19/09/2017 at 3:56 pm
Gordon G
Couldn’t agree more with you Mike. The benefits of a tunnel far outway the disadvantages. What other options are there (other than doing nothing at all) that would not result in wrecking far greater destruction on the Stonehenge landscape? A bypass? I don’t think so. Anyone who wants to sit quietly at Stonehenge (and yes, that is still possible) and take in the stones and the surrounding landscape is denied that opportunity because of the constant view (and noise) of traffic on the nearby A303.
One other thing that I hope will come out of the Stonehenge tunnel project is that it might set a precedent. Avebury immediately springs to mind, with traffic there cutting right through the circle. The problems at Avebury are not the same as at Stonehenge, and I’m certainly not suggesting a tunnel, but something has to be done there to restrict traffic going through that World Heritage Site.
Gordon G
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20/09/2017 at 9:20 am
mullien/thelma wilcox
Just to add that as from 1st October, the old road A344, which was closed has been returfed and will be open as a permissive path. Further to this link,
http://www.sarsen.org/
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23/09/2017 at 3:24 pm
mickdavisbooks
Brilliant! Well put.
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