Landowner destroys ancient site

29 May 1998

Landowner destroys ancient site

A NORFOLK landowner who ploughed up an historic Roman site has been fined £7500.

Sir Rupert Mann of Thelveton Estate, Diss, admitted breaches of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Acts.

Norwich Crown Court heard that remains of a raised Roman road, earthworks and ditches, described by English Nature as “irreplaceable”, were all ruined.
For the defence it was said Sir Rupert had suffered a stroke which had affected his memory so he had forgotten that the area was protected.

Judge David Mellor said: “It would appear that there is limited benefit to agricultural or estate management productivity. It is a tragedy that there has been such a loss to the heritage for such little benefit.” Sir Rupert was also ordered to pay £2500 costs.