Prehistoric monument filled in with rubble after businessman owner tried to keep it tidy

[Jazzy]

A retired businessman who bought one of Britain's most important prehistoric monuments has been fined after parts of the 5,000-year-old earthwork ring were filled with rubble to keep it looking tidy.

An aerial view of Priddy Circles and damaged area (earth patches).



When a retired businessman bought one of Britain’s most important prehistoric monuments as a pension investment, he plainly felt a responsibility to keep it looking nice.



But Roger Penny, 73, found himself in court after contractors he asked to “tidy” up a 5,000-year-old earthwork ring filled in historically-important holes with rubble.



Mr Penny, a retired plant-hire manager, was found to have caused serious damage to the Somerset monument, known as Priddy Circles, as a judge warned him “significant archaeological information” could have been lost.



David Maunder, prosecuting, told the court the “internationally significant” circles are “one of the country’s most important prehistoric monuments”, as the Recorder said archaeological evidence was significantly diminished by the damage.



The court heard Mr Penny bought a former hunt stables and house as an investment, with adjoining land including the southernmost Priddy Circle.



The ring, which dates back to 3,000BC, was built around the same time as Stonehenge and is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.



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I'm just wondering why the prehistoric monument would even be for sale.

 

[Evil Eye]

I'm just wondering why the prehistoric monument would even be for sale.

Good way to make some money off it, it's not like they actually lose control over the thing.

 

[Raven]

Strange that English Heritage didn't have it, then no-one could purchase it, it would have been protected.