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Commonly known as ‘Seahenge’ the Holme timber circle came to light in 1999 after gales had scoured parts of the North Norfolk coast. The small circle formed part of an early Bronze Age ritual complex created on low lying ground close to the sea. Later changes in sea level resulted in the site being ‘drowned’ and the timbers preserved beneath the shifting sands of this part of the coast. As as result of their discovery and the threat to them through exposure English Heritage ordered their excavation, removal and detailed examination prior to reburial close to where they came to light.
The circle is of oak, all of which was felled and split one autumn around 2000 bc. The bark remains on the parts that faced outwards. The perfectly preserved cut marks on the parts that were below ground show that no fewer than 35 bronze axes were used. It was clearly a ‘communal effort’ involving a large group of people. At the centre of the circle stood an inverted oak root and lower trunk possibly used for the exposure of corpses prior to burial. This had been hauled into position using ropes made of honeysuckle the remains of which were found.
As the importance of these timbers has become evident (they are the earliest surviving timbers in the British Isles worked by metal tools) English Heritage had to abandon their intention to rebury them. They are now being conserved’ at the later Bronze Age site at Flag Fen outside Peterborough where there is expertise in dealing with ancient timbers. The process will take at least 5 years after which it is hoped that the timbers will be displayed in a purpose-built centre close to where they were found. |
