English Heritage responds to online backlash after it posted picture of Wales
English Heritage has responded to an online backlash after it posted a picture of Wales on social media.
The charity that manages many of England’s historic monuments, buildings and places was ribbed on Twitter after it shared a photo of of Tintern Abbey Monmouthshire.
When English Heritage originally shared the photo caption said: “Snapped looking west from Offa’s Dyke towards Tintern Abbey, the banks of the River Wye and the sweeping valley is a view to behold.”
However, it later added another message to the post to make clear to social media followers that the abbey was in Wales.
“This photo shows the view from a stretch of Offa’s Dyke that we look after in England,” they said. “The beautiful Tintern Abbey in Wales is cared for by Cadw.
“Good news, though: our members can use their passes in Wales and vice-versa. Thanks for all your comments.”
Warning! May cause wanderlust ⚠️ Snapped looking west from Offa's Dyke towards Tintern Abbey, the banks of the River Wye and the sweeping valley is a view to behold. 📸 pic.twitter.com/17BpJZU9pI
— English Heritage (@EnglishHeritage) October 3, 2021
Followers has been quick to point out after the original tweet that ‘west from Offa’s Dyke’ was actually Wales, and that Tintern Abbey was under the care of Wales’ historic environment service Cadw.
“West from Offa’s Dyke is Wales,” Alyn Davies said. “But I honestly can’t say I expect better from ‘east of Offa Dyke Heritage’.”
Jac Jones responded: “Umm… You’ll find that’s Welsh heritage. But thanks for acknowledging Wales’ beauty.”
“Keep your grubby mitts off. That’s Wales!” Claire Hopkin said. “Gorgeous isn’t it, but no, you can’t have it…”
‘Send you guys a map’
“Someone needs to send you guys a map showing borders and stuff,” Paul Sambrook said.
Social media expert Owen Williams said: “I’m glad some find @EnglishHeritage’s tweet amusing. I’m failing to see the funny side though. Abaty Tyndryn (Tintern Abbey) is a @cadwwales property – *in Wales*.
“Such twisted appropriation of non-English heritage by the body representing England is fundamentally wrong.”
Gareth Parry said: “Seems English covetousness towards other countries and their heritage remains undiminished as they seek to appropriate Welsh Heritage sites.”
Chris Formaggia was more diplomatic: “Thank you for advertising this Cadw site and we look forward to welcoming you to Wales.”
The abbey, known as Abaty Tyndyrn in Welsh, sits on the bank of the River Wye, which forms the border between Wales and Gloucestershire in England. It was founded in 1131 but fell into ruin with the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century.
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English Heritage can respond all they like. They were ill-informed after tweeting a stunning vista of Tintern Abbey in Wales alluding to it being an English landmark when it wasn’t.
Also, I often find it ironic when the ancient monument Stonehenge comes under the branch of “English Heritage” when it was built by us, the Cymry, and had no input into its construction some 5000 years ago.
It is not anti-English to point out that Tintern Abbey is not in England. The Tower of London is not in Germany, that doesn’t make me anti German.
It’s not just a attractive place to see, it’s also an important battle site where Tewdric, in old age, led an army that defeated an invading English army, in about AD 600, putting a stop to English plans for eastern Wales and establishing the present border. We need to remember, regrettably you will not find a monument to this anywhere, we have been forced to forget our history.
It’s in Wales now but was it always? The border has changed over the years and Monmouthshire has a strong English identity.
The whole of this island was Welsh at some point so…..
And before the Welsh?
Little englander heritage can do one