AN unusual landmark which has stood proudly on Evesham’s riverside for more than a century has been removed after becoming a safety hazard.

The whalebone arch in Workman Gardens was a popular attraction for tourists and residents alike having been in place since 1906.

However, its rapid deterioration due to extreme weather conditions in the last few years meant it had become too weak to safely remain in place.

A recent inspection found that the top section of the five-metre high structure, made from a bowhead whale’s jawbone, had become very weak.

A combination of flooding, extremely cold winters and prolonged spells of dry weather followed by very wet weather is said to be to blame.

The bones have been taken on the short journey to the Evesham Hotel off Coopers Lane, which was their original home when they were brought to the country in 1820.

The hotel was formerly known as the Mansion House and the owner was given the bones by a friend, before they were handed to the local authority to be displayed in Workman Gardens.

Councillor Emma Stokes, executive board member for environment and contracted services at Wychavon, said it was a sad day but that safety was the ultimate reason why the bones had to be removed. “It is disappointing that we have had to remove the whalebone arch from its home in the gardens.

However, safety of park users is of the highest priority.

“The bones’ new home in the grounds of the Evesham Hotel will hopefully provide a more sheltered location and still enable residents and visitors to see these spectacular items.”

The bones’ journey to the banks of the river Avon in Evesham begins in 1819 when a former Evesham man, Mr Stanton, set sail on board the Andrew Marvell. Leaving from Hull under Captain Orton, the crew were embarking upon a whaling voyage to the Arctic.

Ten whales were caught in 1820 in the Davis Strait near Greenland and the jawbones of one of the animals caught – a bowhead whale – was sent by Mr Stanton to his friend Dr Cooper, who lived at the Mansion House, as a gift.

They were originally erected as an arch at the entrance to the Mansion House.

In 1906 they were presented to the then borough council by Dr Cooper’s grand-daughter Mrs Frances Edwards and remained in place for 106 years, until last week when they were removed.

A number of preservation techniques have been used in an attempt to keep the bones in a good condition over the years and protect them from weathering in the unsheltered spot.

The most recent of these was in 2005 when a consolidation treatment to strengthen the bone and a filler for the hollow areas was used.

People who want to see the bones should call the Evesham Hotel on 01386 765566.

FACTFILE : BOWHEAD WHALES

• The jawbones make up about one third of its body length

• Its mouth bows sharply upwards and it has a white chin patch 

•  Second only to the Blue Whale in size, weighing about 100 tons 

•  Has no dorsal fin or teeth 

•  It is on the endangered species list