Discovered on the North Norfolk coast ten years ago, the Bronze Age timber circle has finally returned home to the county following a decade of painstaking preservation work.
The famous archaeological find is now housed in the newly refurbished Lynn Museum, at Kings Lynn.
“Within hours of being discovered on Holme next the Sea, the 4,000 year old upturned oak stump and 55 timbers were declared to be of international importance,” said a museum spokesperson. “Tree ring dating revealed the trees were cut down in 2049 BC, around the time that Stonehenge was formed, hence the name Seahenge.”
The 4,000 year old timber circle offers a wealth of information about what life was like for our Bronze Age ancestors. Marks left by around 50 bronze axes suggest teamwork by a community, whilst the meaning behind the timber circle has sparked healthy debate amongst experts.
Could the cloud of mystery be explained away by a theory of ancient burial and what does the one upturned stump signify? A display of the timbers at the museum echoes how they were found on the beach, and is accompanied by a full-sized replica for visitors to enter and explore.
The celebrated return accompanies the reopening of Lynn museum following a £1.2 million revamp. The 140 year old, grade 2 listed former Baptist Chapel has been restored to its former glory. In the main gallery the unveiling of the chapel roof space has exposed interesting architectural features, whilst original Victorian wall cases have been given new life.
Spanning the social history of West Norfolk from the Iron Age to the C20th the museum offers something for everyone. Exhibits range from fine art, to the history of whaling, to collections on loan from the V&A.
Audio guides are available to provide detailed information on the museum’s important collection, which includes Medieval pilgrim badges, Iceni gold coins, ethnography, Egyptology and the significant collection of domestic costume.
For further information see www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk or call 01553 775001.
