Now it’s time to protect Listed structure

IS Ashbourne a racist town? Or are we just protective of our history?

Comments by Claire Raw at last week’s district council meeting, along with fellow independent councillors, took aim at the attitudes and opinions some townsfolk have shown in what has become one of the most divisive topics in the town’s history.

Everyone has an opinion on the Black’s Head that has smiled down on St John Street for generations. To some, it’s a grotesque caricature. To others it’s an important piece of our history.

To others it’s a reminder of old attitudes towards ethnic minorities, or people who were different to us.

Delving into its history serves up nothing more than suggestions as to what its meaning might be. With nothing documented, we can only assume what the carving symbolised when it was put up – but no suggestions have been put forward to suggest it symbolises anything sinister or controversial.

However, that is not necessarily relevant. Although many people in Ashbourne want to see the head going back on the gallows, it is obvious it has to stay down.

Regardless of whether or not it is acceptable to put the head back on its perch, it isn’t safe. Our first priority as a community should be protecting a Listed structure. And, as was pointed out at the meeting last week, tempers will flare and vandalism of the gallows sign will become a very real possibility if the head is returned.

It’s far safer in a cabinet in a museum, preserved for future generations to see and to learn from.

And that seems to be what will now happen.