Dear All,
(my machine tells me there are 544 of you, but I have my doubts)
A set of stories from EH press clippings are interesting me. An MP from Cornwall
is due to be married in Pendennis Castle (this is why the stories are in our
press pack) She is against hunting and pro-hunt lobby activists have been targetting
her with demonstrations whenever she arrives in Cornwall. She has felt nervous
about this. They have promised to leave her alone on her wedding day - saying
that they recognise this to be a private matter.
A number of questions would seem relevant to this group.
1) Why is a castle a suitable or romantic place to be married?
2) If an MP is married in a castle - is it a private matter?
3) Is a wedding ever a private matter? - ceremonies in perhistory are recognised
to be prime times for advancing political agendas - why not now?
4) If this MP finds the castle a romantic and lovely place to be, why does she
overlook an activity which was central to the culture that built it? Which
leads to -
5) How did castles - symbols of miltary domination - become divorced from the
violent context of their constructions in the minds of 21st century British
people (or Cornish people)
6) How do archaeologists (and EH) contribute to this decontextualisation which
I think stems partly from 19th century notions of romanticism (ruins = loss
= love)
Answers on a postcard (please reward my lack of ranting with a discussion)
Sarah
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