xIcon
Art & Culture

Stonehenge Vandalised by Just Stop Oil Protesters Using Orange Powder Paint

  • Luke David
  • |
  • June 27, 2024
  • |
  • 3 minute read
  • |
Stonehenge Vandalised by Just Stop Oil Protesters Using Orange Powder Paint

Two Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed orange powder paint on Stonehenge, disrupting preparations for the Summer Solstice.

They demand the end of fossil fuel use by 2030, and police have since arrested the protesters.

Key Takeaways
  • Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed orange powder paint on Stonehenge, leading to arrests and public outrage.
  • The protesters want the UK government to stop using oil, gas, and coal by 2030 to prevent environmental damage.
  • This incident sparked strong reactions from leaders, heritage organizations, and the public.

Stonehenge Vandalized With Orange Powder

On a recent Wednesday around noon, the environmental group Just Stop Oil vandalized the historic Stonehenge monument near Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Two activists, Niamh Lynch, a 21-year-old student from Oxford, and Rajan Naidu, a 73-year-old from Birmingham, sprayed orange powder paint on the stones.

This act was meant to draw attention to their demand that the UK government end the extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal by 2030.

Vandalism Details and Immediate Consequences

At approximately 12:00 BST, two Just Stop Oil campaigners approached Stonehenge armed with orange powder paint and sprayed the substance on the ancient stones.

The incident occurred just a day before the Summer Solstice celebrations at the 5,000-year-old site when the monument received heightened attention and numerous visitors.

Wiltshire Police quickly arrested Lynch and Naidu on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument.

According to Just Stop Oil, the orange powder was cornflour, which they claimed would “wash away with rain.” However, this did not mitigate the strong reactions from various quarters.

Public and Official Reactions to the Vandalism

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the incident, calling it a disgraceful act of vandalism.

Similarly, Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer labeled the damageoutrageousand described the protesters as pathetic.”

Members of the public who witnessed the event shouted “no” and tried to intervene as the activists ran towards the stone circle.

Nick Merriman, chief executive of English Heritage, expressed deep sadness over the vandalism. He said that Stonehenge represents a connection to nature and stressed the importance of channeling activism away from museum sites.

Paul Clifton, a BBC correspondent, reported that the stones closest to the public path were “splattered” with the powder, leaving tourists “slightly bemused.

Mike Pitts, an archaeologist, voiced concerns about the potential damage to the monument. He said the stones are sensitive and covered in prehistoric markings yet to be fully studied, which are all at risk from such actions.

Protesters’ Reasons for Vandalizing Stonehenge

Just Stop Oil’s actions were driven by a desire to pressure the next UK government to end fossil fuel extraction and use by 2030.

The group argued that burning fossil fuels leads to severe consequences, claiming it would lead to the deaths of millions.

Their spokesperson stressed the urgency of uniting to defend humanity against the looming climate crisis.

In their statement, Lynch and Naidu explained their reasons for targeting Stonehenge. Lynch stated, “Stonehenge at the solstice is all about celebrating the natural world – but look at the state it’s in.

Naidu added that the orange cornflour was intended to create an eye-catching spectacle that would soon wash away, minimizing long-term damage.

Cleanup Efforts and Ongoing Investigation

As confirmed by Nick Merriman, the orange powder was eventually removed using blown air, a method that preserved the rare lichen on the stones.

However, experts still need to inspect the stones to ensure no lasting damage occurred.

Wiltshire Police are continuing their investigations and working closely with English Heritage.

They confirmed that their inquiries are ongoing to address the full impact of the incident and prevent future occurrences.

Luke David

Luke David

Luke is a writer of many mediums with over 7 years of experience, specializing in copywriting, content writing, and screenwriting. Based in Malaysia, his passion for storytelling began at a young age, fueled by fantastical tales and his love for the horror genre. What began as a hobby then blossomed into a diverse writing career, encompassing poetry, songs, screenplays, and now engaging articles. Luke's work has appeared in notable outlets like MovieWeb, Certified Forgotten, High On Films, and Signal Horizon. His talent for crafting compelling narratives has been recognized by being a Semifinalist at The Script Lab's 2019 TSL Free Screenplay Contest, placing his work among the top 3% of over 5,500 entries.

Read Full Biography

LATEST NEWS

Your Go-To-Place For All Things Culture

Sign up for our mailing list to never miss any events or important news.


You May Also Like

Most Beautiful and Mysterious Forests in Europe That Deserve a Place on Your Travel List
Art & Culture

Most Beautiful and Mysterious Forests in Europe That Deserve a Place on Your Travel List

There’s something truly magical about being in a forest. When you step into one, you’re immediately surrounded by the soothing…

Who Has Won the Most Grammy Awards? A Complete Breakdown of the Top Winners, Record Nights, and 2025 Nominees
Art & Culture

Who Has Won the Most Grammy Awards? A Complete Breakdown of the Top Winners, Record Nights, and 2025 Nominees

The Grammy Awards have celebrated music’s best since 1959, starting with just 28 categories. Back then, legends like Ella Fitzgerald…

Must-See Museum Shows in 2025: Blockbuster Exhibitions, Reopenings, and Art Highlights Around the World
Art & Culture

Must-See Museum Shows in 2025: Blockbuster Exhibitions, Reopenings, and Art Highlights Around the World

This year, the art world is pulling out all the stops, from epic retrospectives to cutting-edge installations that’ll make you…