Of all the places Obiter would expect prime minister Rishi Sunak to make an appearance, a press release from a law firm about the acquisition of two henge monuments and their surrounding landscape is certainly not one of them.
Womble Bond Dickinson announced this week that it had acted for Historic England in acquiring the Thornborough Henges complex, near Ripon (pictured above). Dating from 3500 to 2500 BC, the three henges – each more than 200m in diameter - are of ‘outstanding national significance’, the firm said in its press release.
‘The earthworks are thought to have been part of a 'ritual landscape', comparable to Salisbury Plain in south-west England, and are probably the most important single ancient site between Stonehenge and the Orkney Islands in Scotland.
‘The henges will join Stonehenge, Iron Bridge, Dover Castle, Kenwood and numerous Roman sites on Hadrian’s Wall within the National Heritage Collection. They are now under the care of English Heritage and are free to visit.’
Details about the acquisition were followed by quotes from WBD partner William Akerman, Historic England Duncan Wilson and, last but not least, Sunak.
The henges fall in Sunak’s constituency of Richmond (Yorks).
‘The Thornborough Henges site has enormous potential to help tell the story of ancient Britain and I very much welcome this announcement about its future - its safeguarding and preservation for the nation,’ the MP and PM said. ‘Comparatively few people are aware of its significance - both locally and nationally. I hope many more will come to appreciate this little-known gem of our history and while doing so provide a welcome boost to the local visitor economy.’
A lesson for journalists: always read press releases until the end. You never know what, or who, you might find.
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