Eastern Daily Press, Norwich. Wednesday, May 5th 1999
Norfolk's extraordinary wooden discovery is to be preserved carefully, but will not be kept in the county where it was found.
"The last thing anyone wants is for it to be washed away by a sea surge" (Brian Ayers - Norfolk Archaeological Unit)
Norfolk's remarkable 4000-year-old sea "henge" monument will be moved ashore and preserved - but its long-term future has still to be decided. The Bronze Age structure, which was uncovered by the tide at Holmenext-the-Sea last year, is to be excavated and transferred to Flag Fen Bronze Age site near Peterborough:
Long-term plans have not yet been drawn up for the internationally
important relic, which features an upturned tree stump "altar" surrounded by 55
finger posts.
It was at risk of being destroyed by the sea but a full
archaeological dig will now take place, with a survey of the surrounding area,
to build up a wider picture of its contemporary landscape. Following the
excavation, the timbers will be transported to Flag Fen for conservation, using
techniques similar to those used on Henry VIII's warship Mary Rose.
The circle's wooden posts are expected to be on display to the public
during analysis.
Head of Norfolk Archaeological Unit Brian Ayers said: "I
think this was the right decision and we should act to move it as soon as
possible. "We have an immediate problem because of the threat from the elements
- the last thing anyone wants is to wake up one morning to discover it has been
washed away by a sudden surge of the sea." English Heritage'' yesterday' seemed
to acknowledge that permanently moving the circle to another part of the
country would be unacceptable. Spokesman Joanne Finnie said: "We are aware of
the importance of the connection with where it was found and we hope to
preserve that in future. "But our primary aim in the long-, term must be to
protect the timber circle." Head of Norfolk Museums Vanessa Trevelyan added:
"Once the timbers have been safely stored we look forward to advising English
Heritage on the best course of action for the future.
"We feel that it is important for such monuments to be closely associated with the original site."
The beach area at Holme is listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and nature wardens feared an influx of tourists would damage fragile peat beds and threaten bird populations.
More than 500 people visited the circle over the Bank Holiday, said Holme Dunes nature reserve warden Gary Hibberd, adding: "Moving the circle will take a lot of pressure off the site."
John Lorimer, from North Creake, who reported the circle to Norfolk Archaeological Unit last summer, said: "If they are going to move it anywhere, it should be a place close to where it was found."