Seahenge goes on tour

An exhibition on the circle opens on Tuesday

A travelling exhibition on Seahenge, the Bronze Age timber circle discovered on a Norfolk beach, opens on Tuesday.

The exhibition has been mounted by English Heritage and Norfolk County Council so people can see what has happened to the timber from the circle.

After the bitter controversy which surrounded the excavation of Seahenge, English Heritage promised its discoveries would be put on display.

The ancient timbers have brought a new perspective to our knowledge of Bronze Age man.

Seahenge has given us a unique insight into pre-historic Britain which was only possible because the timbers were rescued and recorded

David Miles, chief archaeologist for English Heritage

Use of 3D laser scanning has revealed the earliest metal tool marks on wood ever discovered in Britain.

They have shown that the technology 4,000 years ago was far more advanced than had previously been thought.

Soil samples show the circle was built of oak on a saltmarsh long since eroded by the sea.

But why it was constructed will remain a mystery.

Amazing new archaeology

The exhibition starts at Holme-Next-the-Sea on Tuesday, and then goes to eight other towns and villages in West Norfolk over the next three months.

David Miles, chief archaeologist for English Heritage, said: "The east coast of England is eroding rapidly and, as it does so, amazing new archaeological sites are emerging.

"Seahenge has given us a unique insight into pre-historic Britain which was only possible because the timbers were rescued and recorded.

"I am pleased that we are able to bring this exhibition, explaining the discoveries made using the latest cutting-edge technology, to Norfolk."

Discuss its value

Brian Ayers, archaeology and environment officer, Norfolk Archaeological Unit, said: "Norfolk is privileged to possess one of the richest historic environments in the country.

"Our understanding of the contribution of the prehistoric past to the landscape which we now inhabit is currently developing more rapidly in eastern England than anywhere else, helped by work such as that at Seahenge.

"The excavation here raised many questions, both for archaeologists and the wider community.

"This exhibition is a welcome opportunity to explore the discoveries and to discuss different perceptions of the value and care of our joint inheritance."