Seahenge
The discovery
In the summer of 1998 the shifting sands of Holme beach on the north Norfolk coast revealed something extraordinary. Preserved in the sand were the remains of a unique timber circle dating back over 4000 years, to the Early Bronze Age. Although discovered on a modern beach, the circle was originally built on a saltmarsh, some way from the sea. The timbers were arranged in a circle 6.6m (21ft) in diameter, comprising 55 closely-fitted oak posts, each originally up to 3m (10ft) high. The site became known as ‘Seahenge’.
The central stump
At the centre of the circle was a great upturned tree stump. It weighs well over a tonne and is 2.5m (8ft) in height and width. To move the stump a tow hole was cut and woven honey suckle ropes were used to drag the piece into position. The surface of the timber was shaped by axes made of bronze.