May 12, 200520 yr From “Leeds Today”, 11th May 2005 A gift to the gods...and a godsend for museumBronze Age sword takes centre stage in £250,000 revamp A Bronze Age sword, possibly cast away 3,000 years ago as a tribute to the Gods, has been returned to its Yorkshire home. The ancient blade is the centrepiece of an exciting new exhibition at Scarborough Castle following a £250,000 investment by English Heritage to transform the 12th century fortress into a world class tourist attraction. Many other artefacts are also being displayed for the first time in the newly-refurbished Master Gunner's House – itself a unique survivor of the post medieval period. The mass development has also included the launch of new interpretation panels, tea room and an interactive display for less mobile folk. The blade was originally discovered in 1980 by archaeologist Tony Pacitto, who stumbled across the find on the final day of a dig to investigate a medieval hall at the castle. Ritual The subdued glint of bronze in a muddy pit turned a routine shift into the find of a lifetime. Although no one can be certain, experts believe the blade may have been a ritual offering. This theory is backed by similar discoveries elsewhere in the country. Cast as a single piece of metal, it would have been a highly-prized possession. Ever since it has been kept under lock and key at the British Museum. But now it has finally been returned to its origins. Nicola Bexon, English Heritage Marketing manager, said: "Getting the sword back on home turf is a fantastic coup and we are confident it will be a massive attraction. We're grateful to the British Museum for allowing it to return on loan. The relic is a powerful reminder that the headland's history goes back much further than the present Norman castle suggests. Our aim is to tell this story and make a visit both more fascinating and accessible. "This investment underlines our commitment to ensuring Scarborough remains a premier tourist destination." The Master Gunner's House probably dates to the late 17th century. Before being converted into the chief gunner's residence in 1740, it was used to store gunpowder. The castle's prominent position ensured its batteries were manned well into the 18th century. However, this did not prevent the American privateer and founder of the US Navy, John Paul Jones, sinking two navy ships in the bay below in 1779. Around the castle new panels have been erected tracing a 3,000 year timeline. Costumed characters are depicted, each with an artefact displayed in the gunner's house. These include a soldier with part of a German shell which landed on the town in the 1914 bombardment. Other relics include a jet cross, Roman pottery vessels and a bearded face which once adorned a 13th century Scarborough-ware jug. Scarborough Museums and Art Gallery has kindly loaned some of the artefacts.
July 25, 200520 yr Author From the BBC Website, 24th July 2005 Crews tackle grass fire at castle Firefighters have spent the night tackling a grassland blaze at a castle in North Yorkshire. Crews were called on Saturday night after reports that undergrowth surrounding Scarborough Castle had caught fire. Around 20 fire-fighters battled the flames at the site of the 12th Century ruined castle on Castle Hill. A fire service spokeswoman said an investigation into what caused the blaze is under way.
July 25, 200520 yr Admin They need more goats and sheep to eat the scrub grass.California is using this old way of controlling the wild fires.
July 26, 200520 yr Author From the Scarborough Evening News, 25th July 2005 Fire drama at castle Fireworks from a spectacular display during Seafest sparked two blazes on the Castle Headland.Twenty firefighters, three appliances and the turntable ladder attended the fires at 11pm on Saturday. A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "There were two separate fires to the north and south of the headland."We used three jets and a portable pump to tackle the fires." The fires were well away from the 12th century castle, but the one on the south side was near to the castle wall. The scorched area affected by the blazes can be seen from Marine Drive.Cllr Janet Jefferson, chairman of the Seafest committee, said: "Jane Sandell, the Yorkshire Fishing Forum project manager, met with representatives of English Heritage yesterday. "They have not said we can't fire the fireworks off there in the future. They used to be fired from the West Pier, but we were told that is no longer an option from a health and safety point of view. "This is the third year they have been fired from the headland. We think it provides the best vantage point. "The fireworks can be seen from people in the North Bay and people in the South Bay. Someone rang me to say they could even see them from Seamer." Miss Sandell said: "The fires were actually outside the castle walls and English Heritage have no problem with what happened.
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