Mass trespass of Kinder Scout
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The mass trespass of Kinder Scout was an act of willful law-breaking by ramblers in the United Kingdom. It was undertaken on 24 April 1932, to highlight weaknesses in the law of the time. This denied walkers access to public footpaths which, in previous ages (and today), formed public rights of way. Political and conservation activist Benny Rothman was one of the principal leaders.
A commemorative plaque now marks the start of the trespass at Bowden Bridge quarry near Hayfield (which is now a UK, if not worldwide, mecca for ramblers). The trespass ended at Williams Clough and involved walking up and across the mountain plateau of Kinder Scout. Although the walk was successful, there were violent scuffles with gamekeepers. Several ramblers were arrested and some would receive jail sentences of 18 months, merely for diverging a few yards from a right-of-way.
The mass tresspass had a far-reaching impact, some of which is still playing out today. Eventually, changes in the law would allow all citizens access to public footpaths, regardless of whether they crossed private land. This culminated in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which legislates a limited right to roam over scheduled access land.
Ewan MacColl, the poet and folk singer, celebrated these events in his song The Manchester Rambler.
Bibliography
- Rothman, B. (1982)1932 Kinder Trespass: Personal View of the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass ISBN 0950604372
External links
- Newspaper report of the mass trespass (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,689869,00.html)
- Right To Roam Act of Parliament (explained by BBC News) (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/664820.stm)
- Newspaper clipping of the first Act of Parliament to arise from the mass trespass - the Access to Mountains Act 1939 (http://www.giblets.demon.co.uk/hayfield/1932mass.htm)
- Article on Benny Rothman from WCML website (http://www.wcml.org.uk/people/benny_r_intro.htm)
- Details of Benny Rothman archives at WCML (http://www.wcml.org.uk/people/benny_r_contents.htm)