Few structures have carried such powerful symbolism as the Berlin Wall — the enduring emblem of the Cold War and the Iron Curtain that divided Europe from 1945 to 1989. Constructed from 13th August 1961, the Wall stretched for 96 miles around West Berlin and remains unique in history as a barrier built not to keep people out, but to keep people in. Its creation followed the flight of nearly four million East German citizens who had escaped to the West in search of freedom.
Intrigued to discover that original sections of the Wall were still available, James Hervey-Bathurst travelled in early February to a site near Meyenburg in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Germany to view the remaining collection first-hand.
The segment selected, chosen because of its original graffiti and condition, stands an imposing 3.6 metres high and weighs 2.6 tonnes. It once formed part of the Wall just north of central Berlin before later being repurposed as the side of a grain storage facility, alongside many other disused sections.
Learning that more than 170 pieces of the Berlin Wall are now displayed around the world as memorials to those who lost their lives attempting to escape to freedom, James was inspired to purchase this segment as a temporary installation in Eastnor Deer Park. Its new home sits on historic ground on the concrete pads, left behind where Nissen huts once stood to house American troops preparing for the D-Day landings in 1944, thus creating a poignant connection between two defining moments in the fight for freedom.
The purchase was assisted by Professor Leo Schmidt of Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus, and Cornelia Thiele of the Berlin Wall Foundation. Professor Schmidt was one of those responsible for recording the route of the wall in Berlin with a brick line set into the roads and pavements.
After its journey across Europe, the Berlin Wall segment finally arrived in Eastnor on Friday 5th December aboard a lorry provided by Charles Russell Transport Group, Cheltenham. It slowly climbed the Ridgeway track before being carefully positioned by James and the Eastnor Works Department, ready to be unveiled to visitors exploring the Deer Park.
Graeme Ker, Resident Agent and James Hervey-Bathurst
James Hervey-Bathurst says 'There are many sites worldwide where Wall segments can be seen, and even one small piece on Mars. There are now 7 sites in the UK. As I spent a week in 1975 as a tourist in East Berlin, I am very pleased now to have a full-size souvenir of that visit.'
'I hope older visitors will appreciate what a serious barrier it was and that it will introduce school children to such an important part of European history. I am grateful to Natural England for allowing its display in Eastnor Park, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and now perhaps of special historic interest too. Entry to the Park is free, so please come.'
Information about the Berlin Wall segment at Eastnor Deer Park, plus other sites across the world can be found here.