South Yorkshire Times – Saturday, 5 June 1943
Conisbrough Castle
Vicar Deplores Vandalism
“I am getting very distressed at the way some young people are treating this ancient landmark,” writes the Vicar of Conisbrough, the Rev. G. Needham, in a note in the current issue of the Parish Magazine on Conisbrough Castle.
The Vicar writes:
“Not only is this beautiful piece of architecture in danger of being spoiled, but also the surrounding vegetation is being systematically destroyed.
Last year there was a conviction gained against certain people who were throwing stones from the top of the castle. That practice is still going on.
A stone dislodged now and then is not noticed at first, but in the course of weeks and months a difference is discernible. That Norman keep cannot be replaced if it is allowed to be slowly but surely demolished.
Many citizens in Conisbrough have complained to me bitterly about the ill-treatment the old building is receiving. Cannot something be done about it?
Furthermore, every day boughs and branches are being hacked off the trees. Part of the value of a painting lies in its setting. The foliage round the castle ruins gives an added beauty.
Apart from this wanton destruction there is a large amount of cruelty to bird life going on. Rooks gather here in dozens to build their nests. Such nests form an all too easy target for stones.
Again I ask, cannot something be done about this? Is there no society that will interest itself in ancient monuments?
At any rate, we in the urban district area can do our bit by keeping watch and ward. I am told that the vandalism is not from local people but from troops of youth who walk or cycle out to Conisbrough for sport.”