As Greece launches new bid for return of Parthenon sculptures from England, Celts should also seek return of their stolen treasures

The Elgin Marbles, or Parthenon sculptures, have long been the subject of dispute. The collection of classical Greek marble sculptures were originally part of the temple of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens.  They were removed and shipped to England, in what the poet, peer and politician Lord Byron described as an act of vandalism or looting. They have been kept in the British Museum since 1817.

Now the Greek government has launched a new bid to engage in talks with the British over the return to Athens of the Elgin Marbles. Greece’s culture minister, Lydia Koniordou, has written to her to British counterpart to formally propose negotiations. So that the celebrated ancient sculptures, originally ornamenting the Parthenon Temple at the Acropolis, can be returned home.

This is something that should happen and they need to be returned to their rightful home of origin in Greece. Lord Byron was right to describe there removal as vandalism and looting. It is time that this wrong is put right. There are also many Celtic treasures held in English hands that also need to be returned to their Celtic homelands. There are a number of examples, such as the “Red Lady of Paviland” that should rightfully be returned to Wales. Another example is the Chronicles of the Kings of Mann and the Isles. This is a medieval Latin manuscript relating the early history of the Isle of Man, believed to have been composed and written in 1261 or 1262 at Rushen Abbey. Rushen Abbey is an abbey on the Isle of Man, that was consecrated in 1134. The Chronicles are a look back, year-by-year from 1016, over the significant events in Manx history of that time. The manuscript is now in the hands of the British Library in London, when it should rightfully be housed in the Manx Museum.

As the Greeks, I am sure, are only too aware, it will not be easy to get the English to give up the items they have captured. Once plundered, it seems the English are very reluctant to give anything up. After all, the case of the 5th century BC Parthenon sculptures in London’s British Museum is one of the longest-running cultural heritage disputes in the world. However, the Greeks are right to campaign to get them returned to Athens. Just as the Celtic treasures that are held in various collections in England need to be returned to their lands of origin.