Seahenge: Unveiling the 4000-Year-Old Wooden Circle

What is Seahenge?

In 1998, a Bronze Age wooden circle, named “Seahenge,” was discovered on the quiet and often forgotten beach of North Norfolk Holme. The media coined the term “Seahenge” because it evokes the famous Stonehenge in Wiltshire. This circle features a massive inverted tree stump with its roots facing upward, surrounded by 55 wooden posts cut from smaller oak trees in the area.

Discovery and Controversy Surrounding Seahenge

Seahenge not only attracted attention but also sparked significant controversy at both local and national levels when English Heritage agreed to fund the Norfolk Archaeological Unit to remove the timbers from the beach instead of leaving them in situ. Many local residents were outraged by this decision, fearing that this valuable heritage might be displayed elsewhere, such as in London, without consulting them. Druids opposed the removal on religious grounds, while others worried about attracting tourists and disturbing the local wildlife.

How was Seahenge Discovered?

In December 2013, after a period of high tides and subsequent storms extending into early 2014, many coastal areas experienced erosion, revealing pristine landscapes hidden for years. Holme Beach was no exception. John Lorimer discovered the inverted tree stump along with a Bronze Age axe head and notified the Norwich Castle Museum, prompting the excavation to begin.

The Excavation of Seahenge

Once English Heritage agreed to fund the excavation, archaeologists began their work, despite facing significant challenges and local opposition. The excavation had to be conducted within the limited window of low tides, often only 2-4 hours a day. The timbers were excavated and transported to the Bronze Age Centre at Flat Fen in Peterborough, where they were placed in freshwater tanks for cleaning. Later, the timbers were moved to the Mary Rose Trust in Portsmouth for further cleaning and vacuum drying.

Preservation and Display of Seahenge

After excavation, the timbers quickly began to deteriorate due to exposure to salty seawater and daily wetting and drying by the tides. Laser scanning technology captured every detail of Seahenge. Currently, the original inverted tree stump along with some of the original timbers are on display at the Lynn Museum in King’s Lynn. Additionally, a life-size wooden replica of Seahenge has been created to help visitors visualize the original size of the circle.

Experience Seahenge in Norfolk

If you’re fortunate enough to visit Norfolk, you can see Seahenge at the Lynn Museum in King’s Lynn. While there are no remaining traces on Holme Beach, you can still explore the surrounding area via a wonderful and easy coastal walking path. This path will take you right past the discovery site, where an information board explains everything about Seahenge.

Conclusion

Seahenge is not only an important archaeological find but also a compelling story of controversy and fascination regarding heritage preservation. The debates over its removal and preservation reflect the deep community interest in cultural and historical heritage, highlighting the need for careful consideration in preserving these valuable relics.

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