1985: Hundreds arrested at Stonehenge
More than 300 people travelling to Stonehenge for an illegal festival were arrested following a violent clash with the police on 1 June 1985.
Police claimed they came under attack, being pelted with lumps of wood, stones and petrol bombs. Those in the convoy insisted the police had ambushed their peaceful procession, reacting with extreme brutality.
Travellers later sued the police for damages, alleged wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and damage to property. In February 1991, a jury at Winchester crown court awarded a total of 拢24,000 to 21 people.
The clash became known as the Battle of the Beanfield, and was viewed as the first major test of the English Heritage ban on midsummer festivals at Stonehenge. The ban was eventually lifted in 2000.
大象传媒 Archive: Originally broadcast on 2 June 1985.