no reburial

"We have given careful consideration to the options for the future of the timbers known as Seahenge, taking account of the arguments in favour of reburial on the beach at Holme-next-the-Sea and the alternative of conserving the timbers for possible future display in a museum.

In the last two weeks, important new evidence has emerged through the research funded by English Heritage at Flag Fen, near Peterborough. In view of the great international significance of the timbers and the value of the information being derived from them, the commission has advised that English Heritage should fund further investigations prior to a decision on the long-term future of the timbers being made.

Following consultations with the owner and the Norfolk Archaeology Unit, the timbers will be placed in new immersion tanks at Flag Fen to ensure the continual preservation of the timbers while further research is carried out.

The initial results will be announced shortly and a report on the timber circle is due to be published in Autumn and an exhibition of the findings is being planned.

English Heritage understands that the timber circle has deep significance at many levels for many people. Consultations will continue with the owner, Norfolk Museums Service, the Holme Timber Circle Forum and local people with a view to finding suitable long-term solution for the remains of this highly-evocative monument that has clearly so captured the public imagination."

The Timber Circle Forum met in Hunstanton Town Hall on the 31st May to discuss again the future of Seahenge.

English Heritage reported that it had made additional resources available to Flag Fen to provide new tanks for the timbers and extra scientific personnel to assist Maisie Taylor in her current investigations.

Seahenge is undergoing experimental procedures with new digital technology. This new technology has found marks on the central root made by 35 different axes. Progress reports of these studies are to be circulated among the members of the Forum.

It has been suggested that the marks found on root will vanish if re-burial takes place. Therefore, further research and consideration is to be undertaken regarding the long term preservation of the timbers.