BBC News Online: Sci/Tech


Front Page | World | UK | UK Politics | Business | Sci/Tech | Health | Education | Sport | Entertainment | Talking Point | High Graphics | Feedback | Help | Noticias | Newyddion |
Tuesday, June 29, 1999 Published at 15:26 GMT 16:26 UK

Seahenge removal on again


Seahenge removal on again
Attempts to move a Bronze Age monument are due to resume on Tuesday following a deal between archaeologists and protesters.

The circle of wooden posts - known as Seahenge - was found under a beach in north Norfolk and is thought to be more than 4,000 years old.

The structure consists of the upturned foot of an oak tree surrounded by an oval of 55 oak trunks.

It was uncovered last November by a local nature warden when the peat dune covering it was swept away.

Experts say the structure would have been erected at about the same time as Stonehenge and is one of the most exciting prehistoric finds which have been made.

Danger of erosion

They say there is a serious risk of Seahenge being destroyed forever by coastal erosion if it is not moved.

English Heritage has decided it should be uprooted and moved to an archaeological centre near Peterborough.

But efforts to move the monument away from the site for restoration were halted two weeks ago after a number of demonstrations.

At their height, a group of 12 Druids and environmental campaigners sat on the centre of the historic structure to prevent English Heritage from moving it.

They argued that the sea had protected the site for thousands of years, and should be allowed to continue to do so.

But now the demonstrators appear to have accepted that Seahenge needs to be moved if it is to be protected.


Sci/Tech Contents

Relevant Stories

Protesters halt 'Seahenge' removal (15 Jun 99 | Sci/Tech)
'Seahenge' moves on (05 Jul 99 | Sci/Tech)

Internet Links

English Heritage

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

In this section

World's smallest transistor
Scientists join forces to study Arctic ozone
Mathematicians crack big puzzle
The growing threat of internet fraud (From Business)
Who watches the pilots?
Cold 'cure' comes one step closer (From Health)


Front Page | World | UK | UK Politics | Business | Sci/Tech | Health | Education | Sport | Entertainment | Talking Point | High Graphics | Feedback | Help | Noticias | Newyddion |


Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | ©