English Heritage announced on the
4th May that the so-called 'sea henge' found at Holme-Next-The-Sea
in Norfolk is to be excavated and removed from the beach at Holme
and taken to laboratories at the archaeological centre, Flag Fen near
Peterborough, which specialises in the study of prehistoric timber.The Norfolk Archaeological Unit is to carry out the excavation and
removal of the timbers of which there are 55 and the central upturned
oak tree root. The excavation will include any deposits found under the site.
While the study is being conducted at Flag Fen, it is expected
that some
of the timbers will be put on public display. It is not yet clear what will
happen to the timbers when the archaeologists have completed their
investigations. |
Many people are against the removal of this 'henge'
from Holme-Next-The-Sea.
Parish Council Chairman Geoff Needham has said he has received many
telephone calls from people everywhere, who are incensed by the news that
the structure is to be taken away. "It has been part of the village for the
past 4,000 years and it has appeared and disappeared, so what is the point
in moving it now? It is unlikely to be re-erected anywhere else.
If the
archeaologists need to investigate further, surely a small part need only be
taken for this purpose.
He continued, "The site is not always uncovered during a low tide as we are
often affected by the weather elements from the north. It will be extremely
difficult to undertake such major excavation without causing irretrievable damage to the
area."Mr. Needham asked if people who are worried
about this disruption would write to English Heritage registering their protest. |
