IT seems odd the town council has returned the sarcophagus to the gloom of the Betsy Grimble arch where visitors will have to seek it and then not see it clearly.

That strange move is all the more remarkable as they have done this at the request of the Tavistock History Society which has no responsibility for it or Betsy Grimble's Tower or for the museum.

They relinquished their trusteeship of the museum some two years or more ago.

It is ironic that this retrograde step has been taken when the extension of the museum will soon be completed and provide the best site for its largest, most ancient and most intriguing artefact, which the sarcophagus certainly was.

The return to the town will also be seen by many people as a slight to the small band of volunteers who give much time and effort to maintaining the museum as a principle attraction for tourists and residents.

G Kirkpatrick

Tavistock