prince william and queen: Lorry driver's height of folly: 500yrs of history wiped out as white van destroys 'priceless' archway

Tuesday, 28 September 2010

Lorry driver's height of folly: 500yrs of history wiped out as white van destroys 'priceless' archway

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 10:57 AM on 28th September 2010

It had stood for centuries as an imposing entrance to one of Britain's finest abbeys, where a succession of Scottish monarchs were crowned.

But 500 years of history were wiped out in an instant yesterday when a delivery lorry smashed into the 16th-century archway at Scone Palace and reduced it to rubble.

The arch was all that remained of the ancient approach to the Augustinian Abbey that once housed the Stone of Destiny.

Reduced to rubble: The 16th century archway in the grounds of Scone Palace, near Perth in Perthshire, after it was demolished by a van in an accident

The force of the impact obliterated an ancient carved crest and sent masonry flying across the palace grounds.

It is understood the van was being driven by a contractor picking up a marquee used for the Perth Hunt Ball.

More...

Don't look down! White van man airlifted to safety after satnav sends him to top of mountain

Shortly before 1pm, the driver appeared to misjudge the height of the arch and ploughed into it.

Conservation architects are due to visit the site to assess the situation.

Scone Palace is now the home of the Earls of Mansfield and a five-star visitor attraction, according to its website.

Historic: The 'priceless monument', which was all that remained of the approach to the Augustinian Abbey which once stood on the lawns of Scone Palace, before the incident

Suzanne Urquhart, chief executive at Mansfield Estates, said: 'We were notified of the accident shortly before 1pm today and took immediate steps to make the area around the archway safe.

'We are currently taking advice from Historic Scotland and have arranged for conservation architects to examine what remains of the archway as soon as is practical, with a view to undertaking a reconstruction project in the longer term.

'Clearly we are devastated that such a priceless monument and important piece of Scottish history has been destroyed in this manner, however we are thankful that neither the driver nor any member of the public was injured.'

Public access to the Palace and grounds remains unaffected by the incident.

The present owner of Scone Palace is the 8th Earl of Mansfield, William David Murray.