South Yorkshire Times – Saturday, 5 June 1943
Conisbrough Castle
The Vicar of Conisbrough, the Rev. G. Needham, has done a public service by drawing attention to the wanton damage which is being inflicted on Conisbrough Castle.
This lovely and historic building is one of the few remaining local monuments which give form and substance to our national history. It is no use trying to preserve it when the structure has been defaced beyond repair.
One practice of the hooligans who do this damage is to dislodge stones from the top of the keep. Apart from the sheer, pointless destruction which this involves it is a most dangerous action which ought to be decisively suppressed.
Mr. Needham also deplores senseless damage which is being perpetrated in the Castle grounds where limbs are torn from trees and other acts of vandalism done. He asks if there is no society that will interest itself in ancient monuments.
But surely it should not be necessary to go outside Conisbrough to tackle this abuse. The people of the town, most of whom take a pride in their famous Castle, could themselves exercise useful vigilance without very much trouble.
Most of the damage, I suppose, must be done during the week-ends, and a few public-spirited persons could do a lot to stop it.
The police cannot be expected to provide the necessary supervision in these times, but no doubt would be only too pleased to take the required steps if evidence of deliberate damage or dangerous conduct were promptly brought to their notice.
Perhaps the Urban Council could give a lead in the matter, or at any rate issue a public warning and be ready to back it by salutary punishment of anyone caught at such mischief.