Vandals have defaced a nearly three-century-old burial site in Buckinghamshire with graffiti promoting transgender rights, leaving restoration costs exceeding £2,000.
The Dashwood Mausoleum, situated on West Wycombe Hill close to the village of West Wycombe, was targeted with spray-painted messaging reading "trans rights" across its historic stonework.
The monument dates from 1765 and was constructed atop an ancient Iron Age fortification to serve as the final resting place for members of the Dashwood family.
Estate representatives confirmed the family will cover the expenses for cleaning and restoration efforts, though the work remains incomplete.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL
|Vandals have defaced a nearly three-century-old burial site in Buckinghamshire with graffiti promoting transgender rights, leaving restoration costs exceeding £2,000
James Parker, who serves as land agent for the West Wycombe Estate, expressed the family's distress over the incident.
He said: "This site holds deep personal and historical significance not only to the estate, but to others with loved ones buried nearby. Many feel this as a personal violation of a sacred space.
"This mausoleum is not only a place of rest for the Dashwood family ancestors, but a part of our shared heritage and local community.
"While we support everyone's right to free expression and peaceful protest, damaging sacred and historic spaces cannot be justified under any circumstances."
Buckinghamshire Council's independent member Orsolya Hayday expressed her disappointment regarding the vandalism
Buckinghamshire Council's independent member Orsolya Hayday expressed her disappointment regarding the vandalism.
She said: "Whilst I understand the important issue of minority rights, as everybody should have the same rights, but vandalising this family mausoleum in a popular beauty spot is definitely not the right way to go about it.
"I wish they could have found another way to promote their cause without causing damage."
Tensions around "trans rights" have increased since the Supreme Court ruled in April that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex for Equality Act purposes.
Getty | The announcement comes after the Supreme Court ruled that the term 'woman' in the Equality Act was defined by biological sex
The landmark ruling provides legal backing for organisations to protect single-sex spaces like changing rooms.
While this decision was welcomed by most, many trans activists have declared their outrage.
They claim the ruling is a step backwards for the rights of trans people.