I agree that the folklore about sites is part of their history and charm. I have one site with an association with Druid sacrifices because a nearby area is called Druid's Heath. The truth - that the name comes from the fact that its Norman owner was a certain Drew or Dru is far more prosaic. The question of what to do about patently incorrect theories is an even more interesting one. I tend nowadays to include them on my HER record with a proviso such as 'but this is unlikely' or something stronger depending on how I feel on the day, as otherwise people think that you are unaware of it. As a general rule I find that the more bizarre the theory the more it will be quoted to you - often by archaeologists who should know better!
Mike Shaw
________________________________
From: Issues related to Historic Environment Records on behalf of Gemma Lewis
Sent: Wed 30/01/2008 15:07
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Eccentrics
Hi
I have a nice light and fluffy question. In Durham we are currently re-organising our further information files. We have significant amounts of information about some interesting theories about some of the features in County Durham, such as pyramids in County Durham and Rock Art coming from lost Roman forts. Obviously, everyone else has similar problems, but how have you dealt with the information and the HER.
Basically we are torn whether to put in the information in the Further Information files which may lead to misinterpretation of sites when combined with other information or we keep it separate which may endorse some of the theories, or put suggest that they are completely incorrect (when there is no way we can ever prove the theories one way another).
Gemma
Gemma Lewis
Assistant Archaeology Officer
Adult and Community Services
Libraries, Learning and Culture
The Rivergreen Centre, Aykley Heads, DH1 5TS
Tel: 0191 370 8844
Fax: 0191 370 8897
Email: [log in to unmask]
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