The Effects of Time
Litchens
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It is clear, even from a considerable distance that much of
the surface of Stonehenge is covered in Lichens that have come about over time.
Many different species have been found, and as these usually grow specifically
on coastline exposed rocks, there presence has caused much intrigue. A Lichen survey
in 2003 found that there were 77 different species; new growth is constantly
replacing old, another example of how the nature of the Stonehenge landscape is
constantly evolving and changing.
Christopher Wren
Up until the late 20th century, Stonehenge was unprotected.
Visitors were free to wander over the curious stones as they pleased; today
locals can still recall picnicking on the fallen circle. This wear, compounded
with the natural erosion of time has resulted in the gradual diminishing of the structure. Others expressed their admiration for the ancient structure in more destructive ways; presumably a tourist from many years ago, Christopher Wren's, name is carved into a Sarsen, the effects of time not only include weathering and lichens, however man made inclusions also.
.
Visitors were free to wander over the curious stones as they pleased; today
locals can still recall picnicking on the fallen circle. This wear, compounded
with the natural erosion of time has resulted in the gradual diminishing of the structure. Others expressed their admiration for the ancient structure in more destructive ways; presumably a tourist from many years ago, Christopher Wren's, name is carved into a Sarsen, the effects of time not only include weathering and lichens, however man made inclusions also.
.
Development Around Stonehenge
Although when first built Stonehenge would have
stood alone in the Salisbury plane, it is today surrounded by two roads; the
A303 and the A344. These were built in the 20th century and are now two of the busiest
roads in South Wiltshire. To combat the obvious problems this poses to the site,
a review of the position of the road was carried out. Plans were made to
construct a tunnel under land surrounding Stonehenge; however these were
abandoned in 2007 due to rising construction costs and the concern of
archaeologists who feared the loss of historical artefacts in such a
significant site. As a result, today Stonehenge continues to be threatened by
the pollution from heavy traffic.
stood alone in the Salisbury plane, it is today surrounded by two roads; the
A303 and the A344. These were built in the 20th century and are now two of the busiest
roads in South Wiltshire. To combat the obvious problems this poses to the site,
a review of the position of the road was carried out. Plans were made to
construct a tunnel under land surrounding Stonehenge; however these were
abandoned in 2007 due to rising construction costs and the concern of
archaeologists who feared the loss of historical artefacts in such a
significant site. As a result, today Stonehenge continues to be threatened by
the pollution from heavy traffic.
Preserving the Site Today
Although to many Stonehenge is a unchanged relic of a lost age, it has undergone several restorations over the past century. In 1901, engineer William Gowland undertook the first major repair work, cementing a toppling sarsen stone in place. Further projects were carried out into the mid 20th century, the most recent having been in 1963 to re-erect a stone from the sarcen circle. Perhaps the most significant of these was in 1958, when the trilithon was rebuilt for the first time in nearly one hundred and fifty years.