Well Andy I understand your position all too well. Many years ago I was asked as part of a larger job to undertake a detailed survey of a purported site of some historical events. The evidence for the events occurring where they did was purely oral and to further complicate the matter there were no living witnesses – the oldest of the informants had yet to be born when the events took place. As asked I did a detailed survey, I noted the position of all artifacts and identified them, provided photographs and a detailed site plan, consulted with a historian who had done a survey of known occupation of the site etc. In short I did everything that was required. My conclusion at the end was that the referred to event could not have taken place where it was claimed – a key point was that at the time the event was said to have occurred there was a building on the site (the artifacts were metal fittings from it) while the informants claimed the events took place in the open. I reported the evidence and said that while I did not dispute that an event like that claimed had taken place it was clear it could not have taken place where claimed. End result I was subjected to a tirade of abuse, my judgement questioned etc. by both the informants and by people who took their side. So you have my sympathy. When you are up against dearly held memories you will always lose.
Sign In
