SITE UPDATE 11.07.2000
We asked Jon Humble of English Heritage about the exploratory survey planned for the Nine Ladies stone
circle. This is his reply - it looks encouraging .....
| TO: | Nine Ladies List |
| SUBJECT: | Re: NINE LADIES |
Unfortunately our exploratory work at Nine Ladies has been delayed due
to the previously reported logistical problems with access, a wish to avoid particular dates in the
calendar such as the solstice, and not least the availability of the team of archaeological contractors.
A revised date has yet to be agreed with all relevant parties, but September/October
[i.e. before Samhain - Ed.]
is now most likely.
A further consideration with timing is the weather. For the archaeological investigation of this type of
site/soil conditions April/May and September/October tend to be the optimum times of year. July/August
can be (but not always!) too dry, but there are ways of overcoming this problem by watering the site.
The work will be carried out Trent & Peak Archaeological Unit, who are based at the University
of Nottingham, with English Heritage footing the bill. Our own staff will be providing specialist support
- expert analysis of soils, paleoenvironmental remains such as pollen, and radiocarbon dating.
Furthermore, we will be completing the survey of upstanding archaeological remains on Stanton Moor (much
was done in the 1980s, the small gaps in coverage will be filled), and I have asked our photogrammetric
unit to prepare a detailed 3-D digital model of the stones themselves as a record of their current
condition and as something which could be used for presentational purposes e.g. a virtual reality model
on the Web. I am particularly concerned by the damage which from time to time happens to the stones
themselves (souvenir hunters? people using the tops of stones as chopping blocks for firewood?).
Prevention is better than cure, but at least the 3-D digital model will provide an accurate record of
current condition and form.
[and no doubt help assess the rate at which damage is occurring - Ed.]
Some time ago the King Stone was cracked by someone (we think) reversing a
vehicle, and we will be repairing this stone using stainless steel dowels to pin the crack.
A specification for the archaeological evaluation has been commissioned by EH from Trent &
Peak, according to a brief prepared by Ken Smith at the Peak Park in discussion with EH. The content of
these documents was summarised by Ken and myself at the public meeting in April. In conjunction with the
press release, nothing further has been written.
Thanks for the news of Dale View quarry - because of its scheduled status we are in close contact
with PDNPA over all planning issues which may or will affect Stanton Moor.
As ever, I'm very happy to answer any questions - I've had a long chat with Naomi Mason (the
student using Stanton Moor as a case-study for her disseration) and taken her on an extensive tour of
Stanton Moor.
Good luck with the campaign.
Best wishes,
Jon Humble
Inspector of Ancient Monuments
English Heritage (East Midlands Region)