Arthur Pendragon, formerly known as John Rothwell before his deed poll name change 30 years ago, has been ordered by the English Courts to leave Stonehenge.
The pagan protester is 10 months into a Stonehenge sit-in against the enforced restricted access to the world-famous stone circle. Pendragon believes not only should visitors be able to walk through the stone circles at any time but they should be able to touch them.
In particular, Pendragon is upset at the fence that has been added to the site in order to keep visitors away. The druid suggested the religious site was now “in a stranglehold like a snared animal”. The visitor centre is also under criticism. He said: “It was supposed to be a temporary building. It’s awful. It is a national disgrace so what I am hoping to do by my protest is embarrass the government.”
Supporters in white robes have waited with Pendragon while the legal process started by Wiltshire county council was underway. He had been demonstrating on behalf of the Council of British Druid Orders.
If Pendragon does not leave Stonehenge by Sunday then he could be physically evicted by bailiffs. If he returns to the site then he could be arrested for trespass.
In Pure Spirit
What do you think? Are the Courts right to insist that Pendragon leave Stonehenge? Does he have any right to camp there throughout the year?
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