3 



Camps which possess guarding walls of stone are even more at the 

 mercy of the neighbourhood unless jealously watched. 



That there is as much need as ever to keep guard over old 

 fortifications is made manifest by a glance at the record of destruction 

 contained in this report — a record very far from complete, for in many 

 cases the mischief is accomplished unnoticed by anyone possessed of 

 reverence for the past. 



As a committee we have occasionally protested and appealed 

 against destruction, but pressure applied by local county archaeological 

 societies will have as great, or greater, weight. 



The transference to public bodies of ancient castles and castle sites, 

 though usually structures of masonry rather than earthwork strongholds, 

 must be mentioned. • 



Mont Orgeuil Castle at Gorey, Jersey, long occupied as 

 barracks and a signalling station, has been presented to the island 

 authorities for preservation. 



.Scarborough Castle ruins have been handed by the Department 

 of Woods and Forests to the Corporation of Scarborough on a thirty 

 years' lease. 



Already the keep has been freed from rubbish, the castle well has 

 been cleared to a depth of i8o feet, and a large accumulation of 

 earth has been removed from the castle bailey. 



Bishop's Stortford. — The Urban Council is purchasing the castle- 

 mount and the surrounding land, which will probably be used as a 

 public garden or recreation ground. It is to be hoped that the utmost 

 care will be taken to prevent injury to the great earthen mount, and 

 especially to the interesting remains of the masonry of the castle on the 

 summit.* 



We also note with satisfaction that the camp on Housestead Farm 

 at Castleshaw, in the parish of Saddleworth, Yorkshire, has been 

 purchased by Mr. Samuel Andrew, of Oldham, and Major Lees, of the 

 4th Manchester Volunteer Regiment, with a view to the scientific 

 excavation and permanent preservation of the fortress. 



* It will be interesting to obtain a list of earthworks and castles in pos-ession of 

 H.M. Government and of public bodies. A few have already been noted in our 

 reports ; perhaps friends will enable the Honorary Secretary to render the list 

 complete. 



