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19
Feb
Fountains Abbey manager: 'We are devastated' by 'needless' graffiti
Graffiti at Fountains Abbey is the worst case of vandalism the National Trust has seen at the site, the charity has said.
North Yorkshire Police said yesterday the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which came under the trust’s ownership 42 years ago, had been defaced between 6pm on Friday, February 14, and 9am on Sunday 16.
The culprits vandalised both the abbey, which is one of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries in England, and St Mary’s Church, which is located in Studley Royal deer park.
Police said the use of oil-based paint on medieval plasterwork was likely to cause considerable damage to the grade one listed building.
The Stray Ferret contacted the trust this morning for comment. We also asked if security measures will be tightened.
Justin Scully, general manager at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, said the charity was “deeply saddened by the vandalism to this special place”.
He added:
Both the ruins of Fountains Abbey and St Mary’s Church are historic and culturally significant buildings.
Although sadly we do occasionally see vandalism to historic sites nationally, this is unprecedented at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - a World Heritage Site that is loved by visitors locally, nationally and across the world. It was devasting for our teams to discover the needless graffiti.
St Mary's Church. Credit: English Heritage
Mr Scully told the Stray Ferret all entrances to the estate are gated securely and main entrances are covered by CCTV, adding:
This appears to be an isolated incident and the first occasion of vandalism of this scale on the estate since National Trust acquired the property in 1983.
St Mary’s Church is located in the deer park, along a public right of way, but entrances to the deer park are covered by CCTV.
A trust spokesperson told the Stray Ferret the incident was the worst vandalism the organisation has seen at Fountains Abbey.
The organisation is working with English Heritage to limit the impact of the graffiti and is currently assessing whether specialist contractors to remove the paint without further damage to the stonework will be required, Mr Scully said.
The news generated a strong reaction on social media, with some commentors describing the vandalism as "disgusting" and "sick".
The Stray Ferret has also contacted UNESCO about the incident. We are awaiting a response.
Police appeal
North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information about the incident. Yesterday’s statement said:
If you have any information that could help our investigation or saw anyone acting suspiciously in this area at the time of the offence, please email danny.copperwheat@northyorkshire.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101, and ask for Danny Copperwheat, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Quote reference 12250029494 when passing on information.
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