Hope Cross missing, above Edale (now found)

[nubile 10]

That may have to happen, but it would be better if the old stone were recovered.

 

There are literally thousands of items of antiquity in the Peak District. Some are well known, most are not, except by those who appreciate the past. They are being carefully surveyed and monitored, but that takes a lot of time. More are being found every year. Some are better recorded than others.

 

Man has existed in the Peak District for well over 3,000 years; just how long we don't really know. Future generations may be better able to assess how they all fit together to teach us more about the past.

 

At least one very old and historically important stone has had to be replaced by an excellent fibreglass replica to prevent damage. The fibreglass has already been slightly chipped. Unfortunately such actions can't be arranged for them all.

 

Clearly the cross can't be left without a capstone for long. Hopefully the person/s concerned have merely taken it for the challenge, will get bored, and leave it where it can be recovered. Otherwise, yes, a new one will have to be made.

 

To prevent erosion you mean, at GE.

[1978 14]

Walked up today and pics of the stone without capstone are at; and

 

The site is over a mile from a tarred road, along a muddy and waterlogged bridleway. There are multiple tyre tracks from what look like trail bikes and possibly farm vehicles.

[Forumosaurus 10]

To be fair, it has been windy...

[AJ sheffield 11]

To be fair, it has been windy...

 

:hihi:

[V.Rossi 10]

Walked up today and pics of the stone without capstone are at; and

 

The site is over a mile from a tarred road, along a muddy and waterlogged bridleway. There are multiple tyre tracks from what look like trail bikes and possibly farm vehicles.

 

Jesus, must have been heavy, you can clearly see where it was dropped into the ground.

[1978 14]

Story picked up by BBC News, possibly broadcast last night?

 

Linked to main UK and England internet headline pages, and story at; http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-16782092

 

Also run in The Star on Friday; http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/appeal_over_missing_historic_peak_district_stone_1_4185481

[Yog Sothoth 10]

Why not commission a new one, all you need is a piece of stone, hammer and chisel. How much did it weigh?

 

Not quite the same is it? If someone made an exact copy of Stonehenge, it wouldn't be Stonehenge, would it? A copy is a copy. The wonderful thing about ancient monuments is the history, the provenance, the life that's in it, not the fact it's a piece of stone of a particular shape.

[drinkingman 10]

This really disgusts and saddens me. I hope someone sees it that knows what it is, though it's unlikely if its in a back garden somewhere. How can some selfish !£*&%!! think it's OK to deprive many thousands of people the pleasure of coming upon items like this whilst exploring the Peak District. It will be a real shame if the capstone has to be replaced with a copy.

[chem1st 10]

Not quite the same is it? If someone made an exact copy of Stonehenge, it wouldn't be Stonehenge, would it? A copy is a copy. The wonderful thing about ancient monuments is the history, the provenance, the life that's in it, not the fact it's a piece of stone of a particular shape.

 

The stone was there to serve a purpose (give directions), it looked a bit old and tatty.

 

Much like an old pair of jeans, and people gladly buy them with the artificial worn look.

 

It still has the history, just needs the cap replacing. Everything requires maintenance over time.

[treeko1 10]

Does this sum all things philistine about 2012 or what?Publicity on Bbc websitectoday

[Yog Sothoth 10]

The stone was there to serve a purpose (give directions), it looked a bit old and tatty.

 

Much like an old pair of jeans, and people gladly buy them with the artificial worn look.

 

It still has the history, just needs the cap replacing. Everything requires maintenance over time.

 

It was nearly 300 years old. You miss the point.

[1978 14]

chem1st is either a devils advocate or an agent provocateur:-)

 

Yes, the stone was almost 300 years old. It can (and probably will) be replaced. The new capstone will take a few decades to weather, but in 20 years time folks probably won't notice the difference.

 

In fact it's believed the present Hope Cross may have replaced an older cross on the same site, so it's probably not the 'original.'

 

In the Peak District there are many thousand archaeological and historical features. Many are yet to be fully recorded and researched. This one is very well known and remains a prominent goal for walkers, cyclists and historians alike.

 

Of course if folks sharing chem1st's views would like to pay to replace such items, maybe they should come forward. I assume he/she wouldn't like treasured items stolen from his property?