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But are they equally concerned to preserve more modest structures, representing the livelihood of ordinary people? |
We might like to think the National Trust's reputation for wiping out minor archaeology in order to tidy up the landscape is a thing of the past. Unfortunately events on the Isle of Wight suggest the remnants of this culture still remain, as demonstrated in their attitude towards Mottistone Limekiln.
Like most rural areas, the Isle of Wight once had scores of limekilns serving arable farmland. Today only the Mottistone kiln remains with a potential for conservation. Fortunately it's located conveniently near the roadside, within easy public access. As the kiln is on National Trust land, most people might imagine they would have a sense of responsibility towards preservation of this sole example, out of respect for an Island community with a largely agricultural history.
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In fact the limekiln had been allowed to become filled with debris and completely overgrown. There can be no doubt it was ultimately destined for ruin. |
 The buried limekiln |
This was not a case of casual neglect of some remote location. The kiln is located in the same lane as the National Trust office, barely a mile away. Moreover, in correspondence on the subject, the Trust's local buildings manager, Tony Tutton, claimed such sites are part of an "informed conservation approach which depends on identifying the significance of the monument or landscape." This certainly implies they were aware it represented the only opportunity to preserve a local limekiln, yet they still earmarked it for ruin.
In November 2005, as a result of local concern, an Isle of Wight history organisation approached the National Trust with a view to carrying out a complete excavation of the kiln themselves, bringing it into view for the public. The local office were a little surprised but found it difficult to find a basis to object. It took some time to fulfil the Trust's requirements and overcome the inevitable inertia, but all was set to go ahead in August 2006.
Then, at the last minute, the Trust refused permission, stating they would prefer to do the excavation themselves. An earlier indication of this intent would have saved the local organisation considerable preliminary work. Nevertheless it was the end result that counted and the Trust were generally applauded for their expiation.
Early in 2007 they started clearing the front of the kiln. However, a month later, no further progress had been made. It then emerged they had decided to abandon full excavation and just confine themselves to cleaning up the facade.
Tony Tutton claimed this decision had been arrived at as a result of a visit by Trust archaeologist Caroline Thackray. She had apparently quoted the standard mantra archaeologists reserve for 'industrial' features; namely that there was already plenty of information on such structures and excavation would reveal nothing new. Either she was oblivious to the local basis for the excavation or simply felt that, if Islanders wished to see an exposed limekiln, they could visit one on the mainland, where she resides. She also claimed excavation was impractical because the kiln was in a precarious state. This was an unexpected conclusion: tradesmen who had examined it during the original survey were surprised at what a substantial structure it was and had no reservations about quoting for the work.
If Caroline Thackray genuinely believes excavation would be a difficult task, it suggests a considerable lack of expertise within the Trust. Such shortcomings, coupled with disregard for local heritage, have certainly ensured the Isle of Wight will never get to see a clear example of this essential feature of farming history.
We should at least be grateful the National Trust have agreed to maintain the facade of the kiln, albeit under pressure. Unfortunately, without a complete excavation, extended future maintenance will not be possible, so long term conservation is doubtful.
Had Mottistone limekiln been on private land, by now Islanders would be able to view a completely exposed kiln, in a condition that would enable preservation for future generations. It is ironic they have been denied this because it's on National Trust land.
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Can the Trust even be relied upon to maintain the facade? | |||||
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