I DON'T know whether readers are aware that the campaign of protest against the proposed siting of a wind farm close to Skipwith Common has a medieval precedent.

Recent research has revealed that SCRAP had a forerunner in the 15th century with a remarkably similar acronym: SCRAM - which stood for Serfs and Churles Revoltynge Aqayuste ye Minster.

Large numbers of York residents rose in protest to prevent the erection of what the then Prince of Wales described as a monstrous carbuncle, in the middle of their city, drawing particular attention to the 'losse of antiente lyghtes' by the houses that would find themselves in the shadow of the new tower; the ecological damage that would result from birds dashing themselves to death against the high tower; noise pollution caused by the 'tollyuge of ye belles' and the almost continual 'chantynge of ye quire'; aggravation of their condition by sufferers from 'ye mygrayne' as a result of sunlight being reflected from very large windows; increased traffic congestion resulting from the growing number of pilgrims visiting the shrine of St William.

The new structure, it was argued, would be visible for many miles and would destroy the open vista down the Vale of York. The honesty of the developers was also brought into question: planning permission had originally been granted for one tower only, but word was going round that the Dean and Chapter proposed to build three.

SCRAM's valiant efforts to prevent the building of the Minster's tower were in vain and we are burdened by the consequences of their failure to this day.

J F G Taylor,

Holmes Drive, Riccall,

York.

Updated: 10:43 Tuesday, January 11, 2005