Holme-next-the-Sea, Norfolk: display and travelling exhibition

Introduction
An archaeological excavation of an Early Bronze Age timber circle located below high water mark on the beach at Holme next the Sea was undertaken by the Norfolk Archaeological Unit during the summer of 1999. The project generated a great deal of interest as well as fuelling a fierce debate about who has rights to our archaeological and historical heritage, what those rights are and how they are manifested. An exhibition touring north-west Norfolk detailing the story of the monument, accompanied by evening lectures and weekend family days, has been funded by English Heritage, and organised by the Norfolk Archaeological Unit, to present the findings of the excavation to the widest possible audience within the local community and beyond.

Where you can see the exhibition and what you can do
Hopefully you will be able to visit the exhibition and find out more about the Holme Timber Circle and the Bronze Age community that built it. The evening lectures will cover various subjects from discussing the actual Timber Circle at Holme, it's discovery, excavation and conservation, to the Bronze Age landscape in which it was constructed. The family days will provide fun hands-on activities to promote a good understanding of archaeology and archaeological artefacts. While the libraries of north-west Norfolk will be providing reading materials on associated subjects for the duration of the exhibition

The story of Holme Timber Circle so far
by Mark Brennand, formerly a Project Manager with the Norfolk Archaeological Unit

In August 1998 Norfolk archaeologists were told about a curious circle of wooden posts that could be seen on the beach on the north Norfolk coast. When archaeologists went to look at the new discovery they saw a ring of oak posts surrounding a large tree stump, which had been placed in the ground upside-down, with the roots sticking upwards. They recognised immediately that it was extremely old, and an extremely important ancient site. They undertook a survey to record the structure and take samples for dating. Scientific dating of the pieces of wood revealed that the structure was constructed in the spring or early summer of 2049 BC, over 4000 years ago, during a period known as the Early Bronze Age. As wood normally rots away it was extremely unusual to actually see wooden posts from so long ago. The posts of this circle had remained preserved for so long because they had been trapped deep beneath the ground surface, in the wet peat and mud. Due to the perceived threat of damage and erosion from the sea a rescue excavation was undertaken during the summer months of 1999. The structure was entirely excavated involving the removal each of the timbers and the taking of soil samples from around the timbers.

Detailed examination of the wood has told us that there were probably at least fifty-one different axes at work on the posts, which would suggest that there was at least fifty-one people cutting down the trees to be used for the circle. We think it is likely that there were many more people than this actually involved in the building, as others would have been involved in moving the posts or perhaps preparing food for the workers. Examination of the soil samples has told us that the circle was originally constructed on a saltmarsh, rather than actually on the beach itself. The oak trees used to build the circle came from a wood a considerable distance away from the saltmarsh, and must have been dragged to the site in order to build it. There were fragments of a rope made from honeysuckle stems wrapped around the central tree stump, which was used to drag the enormous timber into place.

We cannot ever really know why the circle was constructed. It was built in a time before writing, and there are only a few clues to tell us what the peoples of the Bronze Age really thought and believed. The circle probably represents the actions of a community coming together and building a small monument in a place that was special to them. It may have been built to commemorate a past event or as part of an annual celebration or festival. Many archaeologists believe that the site is a grave or tomb, and a human body was laid out in the middle of the circle, in the roots of the great tree. It may have been built to mark the death or to commemorate the life of a great person, although any evidence for a body being placed in the centre was washed away by the sea many years ago.

Comments on the Exhibition

Holme Comments

Seahenge: What does it mean to you?

• It should have been left where it was - its now meaningless

• I think it's wonderful! It's so old! It's definitely a part of Norfolk's heritage and should stay here
• Shall we build another one?
• Once the henge has been restored it would be nice if a permanent exhibition in the village was set-up so that visitors could see exactly how it was built
• What a lovely thing to do with an old oak tree
• My fiancé is obsessed with Seahenge
• Injustice, overriding the views of the people. A beautiful part of history and experience destroyed forever
• Just consider what we might have learned from Dunwich had sites there been removed for posterity and preserved elsewhere. It would be difficult to study Seahenge under several feet of water
• A most interesting exhibition. A marvellous job done by all. I personally would like to see Seahenge return to Norfolk if a suitable site could be found
• Very interesting. Makes me want to know more about the people who lived here so long ago. Would like to see a return to this area of Seahenge
• A unique monument - a tribute to the Bronze Age people who built it and the modern community who treasure it
• …and a lot of other locals and visitors that it should have been left where it was
• Seahenge was unique - a great sadness it was ever disturbed, particularly before understanding it's significance. For me its now little more than a pile of old wood. Good exhibition
• It should have been left where it was , all it is now is a lot of rotten timbers, any meaning it has is now gone
• I have been fascinated by this find and so pleased that the trees have been restored. The story that has unfolded is not complete and is still ongoing. There must be a permanent local site for the 'circle' of wood where a maximum number of people could pay to see it and make the project viable. I suggest somewhere on the Sandringham Estate
• I think the fact that it is right at the end of the Peddars Way could mean it had significance for the travellers along these paths or the tribes that used them, something sacred about it: it would have been fantastic to see it where they left it…!
• It meant a lot where it was. I am surprised English Heritage continue to defend their actions, despite the amount of offence and upset they have caused!
• Nice exhibition. Seahenge deserves a simple, imaginative circular building to house it - with atmospheric lighting and sound - something to delight us who missed seeing it on site. We were asked by the archaeological establishment to STAY AWAY IF WE CARED (EDP Headline). Some of us who cared did - we lost the opportunity of viewing this potent site. Those who didn't care arrived in droves-sad
• It was alright while it was allowed to stay and it would not have been destroyed by the sea
• I don't know what the fuss is about! It's so small anyway
• Preservation is essential; I am surprised that some people, happy to have seen it for themselves, would deny the pleasure to future generations. Congratulations and good wishes to all involved in this exciting project
• It should have been left in situ - it is meaningless and out of context where it is now
• I wish we had one of these in Germany, only bigger
• Excellent exhibition. I originally felt that 'Seahenge' should have been left in situ. However, now having heard the arguments believe that excavation and preservation was probably best. But it should be returned to Holme on a permanent site and exhibited in an imaginative way
• Put it back where it was! You moved it, you pay for it personally
• How I regret that we did as asked and did not visit the henge, although we were local residents, only to find it too late to see this beautiful circle un it's true setting
• It should have stayed where it belongs
• Wonderful. It should have been left where it was and clever scientist think of some way to preserve it IN SITU. Clever exhibition thank you
• Tangible evidence of a real past belonging to us all
• The very fragile surrounding environment could so easily have been destroyed by visitors if the henge had been left in place. It should not be returned. Holme has responsibilities for birds and the delicate coastline to consider.
• Quite unexpectedly, when we saw 'Seahenge', on the beach we were moved by a strong emotion and sense of a link with the past. We were pleased that important scientific research has been carried out but would like it to be returned to the area if this is considered safe.
• It would appear that the sea would have destroyed it once it had been exposed. Hopefully it will be preserved now so that future generations can see it - not just out generation!
• A wonderful discovery - Thank God for archaeologists and their knowledge - If only some one from the past could appear with a complete explanation
• What a wonderful find, one which would have been lost to the sea forever. Now to be preserved for all to see!
• Please return it as soon as possible
• Very, very interesting and most important historically. The fact that it was built in woodland makes its removal from the beach understandable. We hope a replica will be built somewhere in Holme.
• It is a great shame that it was removed from it's home, never the less I have enjoyed the way it has been shown (although peoples voices need to be louder)
• We should have respect for all ancient beings especially trees! This magnificent site should not have been disturbed! Criminal
• It's a shame it had to be removed but understand why. Hope it's display at Flag Fen will be improved. We had privilege of seeing and touching it in situ
• If nothing had been done there is obviously so much you would not have learnt and discovered
• Shame that a very few people at the top destroyed it for all
• Its presence had been noted for years before English Heritage came on the scene. What a pity they couldn't leave well alone!
• It was a sacred site, in a beautiful setting. If someone went into St. Paul's and cut a chunk out of the alter, they would be arrested! So how can the excavation be right?
• This is a very amateur display for an important subject. Shame!
• Whatever anybody says the original purpose and spiritual significance is lost on us in this age. I'm off to the pub for a pint! That is the one thing I'm sure the ancients enjoyed too!……reply: Yes, but even the pub has changed - some would say not for the better! Life goes on - changes occur - either man-made or God given. Some better, some worse

Wells-next-the-Sea comments

• It should never have been moved!!! A wonderful thing to be observed!! Only
• It should have been left where it was. (reply) If it had been it would probably have been totally lost by now and with it the knowledge shown to us in this exhibition. What advantage would that be to Druids or anybody else?!
• It is one link to the past. Many others have not been 'discovered'/exposed and never will be. In the "space/time continuum, we are not yet born and we are already dead."
• Why did the Romans end the Peddars Way at Holme? Is there a connection?
• A touchstone! with our past. A wonderful discovery seen in its glory for such a short time but a memory for ever.
• An insight into the past. Very interesting to be able to see this wonderful discovery being preserved.
• Lets all go to the henge, not bring it to us.
• A reminder that people had and needed rituals and sacred sites to make sense of life and death. I'm glad it has been preserved and a replica constructed.
• A tremendous link with the past. Thank you for rescuing it for us all to see and remember - despite the protests
• I'm glad my grandchildren will be able to share my fascination with this discovery. They will be able to form their own views on its importance
• Wooden structures preceded the stone circles at Stonehenge and (probably) Avebury. Circles were places to meet to celebrate the seasons, to dance, to feast and to remember the spirits of the Earth and of your ancestors. Above all building them proclaimed your ownership of the area roundabout.
• It should not have been moved. I deplore the arrogance of those who think taking things to pieces is the same as conserving them. When will we ever learn.
• A great mystery! The enormous age of the timbers and their survival are a wonder. The effect required to construct shows a special requirement by the community or people involved, for the presence of the monument!
• I have very mixed feelings: the wildlife in the area might have been disturbed by visitors to Seahenge and they are important to us now, but I would have preferred Seahenge to have stayed there.
• A replica at the original site and display of Seahenge in Lynn Museum - would be ideal, bearing in mind the massive increase in visitor numbers to this coastline in the last five years.
• It is utterly fascinating. But in the end I am faced with the dilemma, science or spiritual. In my heart I think it should have been left alone
• Within my limited knowledge I feel it was right to move it a) to protect the coast against hoards of visitors and to have the coast to the birds and wildlife that have made it their home b) to protect the site so that it is available to people in the future
• It could have been documented, photographed and researched with only small sample wood cores removed. Modern technology would have enabled almost all the information we have gained to have been discovered without digging it up. I think it shall have been left to change with nature in situ. (reply) You have not taken in a word, have you?! The likes of you don't deserve a heritage. (A Holme resident)
• Only visited because of small notice on Congregational Church gate. Local person. Viewing and hearing sites not good for adults, especially if older. Spring 2049BC by hearing larger print, therefore see first 2049 (2003 now)!! Having passed the (new) Seahenge site several times and wished we could see it more clearly we enjoyed the exhibition. Presentation streamlined, looks good, again small circumference crowding if a lot of people.
• I don't want to boast but I'm top of the post. I love the constant noise of talking, birds and sea.
• It would be a good idea to put the original timbers in Kings Lynn Museum and a replica henge on the beach in the original position. This would please the general public and the academics. It's a wonderful link with the past…
• I like the idea of a travelling exhibition - keeping the finds in the minds of local people, to be good. However, had it been on a larger scale, both young and old could read it more easily.
• Would they move Stonehenge to London? No, perhaps it is meant to erode over time, it should have been left alone.
• Having seen the oak and timbers in situ on the beach at Holme, I'm really annoyed that it was removed. This exhibition is not what I expected either; very amateurish.
• A fascinating tale! I would like to see a replica or exhibition at or very near to the site. A video of the circle and its excavation would have enhanced this exhibition
• it is nice and big
• Go to Flag Fen (it should have been left where it was). Its heartbreaking to see it in pieces, even if it had eroded away
• Fascinating, but needs more r?lbity (can't read this word..)
• A sense of wonder, wonder that is missing today. In part, the wonder that people had who recognised the worth of wild places
• It should have been left not removed - the people of Norfolk need to demand it's return. Our heritage nature had taken its course and allowed us this glimpse into the past. Nature should have been allowed to continue to run it's course
• We can not believe took it away from out coast
• We shall soon have nothing to believe in anymore. I hope in the future we can come to some arrangement. So we can believe again.
• A closer connection with my seafaring and fishing ancestors and a better understanding of my part Welsh mother
• I have really enjoyed the display of material and am fascinated by what the scientists have been able to determine - being built in the spring of 2049BC! An amazing link with our past, our ancestors weren't just cave dwellers!
• It will never be protected where it is now. In future it will be by whoever
• A wonderful mystery. There are more things twit heaven and earth than we understand. Treasure it and wonder
• An awe-inspiring link with our ancestors. Why can't we put more resources into looking into what it means (rather than looking for non-existent weapons in a desert?)
• Why not put a replica of the original timbers in their place! You can't please all of the people all of the time but since seeing the exhibition and properly understanding it - if left in place the so called spiritualists would of destroyed it by climbing all over it!! Stonehenge had to be closed off because of the graffiti - at least my grandchildren will get a chance to go and see to and understand a little of their heritage
• Totally mind blowing - part of out heritage. Lovely to preserve it - but must have been totally provocative in its original setting
• Part of a higher spiritual icon that should have been left to follow its own destiny!!
• Preserve the original, site it on a known archaeological site e.g. a museum. Build a replica in the original site further up the beach to indicate its original position. A remarkable discovery and site! So much more to learn!
• A fascinating insight into the past but with so many questions still unanswered. Of possible please let it go on display, preserved somewhere fairly local like Kings Lynn
• Fascinating and awe-inspiring. It is just incredible to discover such a unique and fragile spiritual space still intact
• A poor sad exhibition - of a monumental structure. Of course it had to be preserved - not hacked at - to learn about the past & show the future, but it needs to return to its own area, be protected and protect area for everyone to enjoy and marvel at . Use the Time Team one to show people. An old barn area nearby or similar, but safe and covered and complete. Not in pieces in baths. The pillar displays are hard to read and the audio impossible with anyone with hearing problems. Put it back in its spiritual home. Bring some humanity back into the whole business
• Interesting and informative. If it had been possible to preserve it where it was in some way and maybe should have been left until this technology was available to maximum effect
• Its has been very interesting. My thoughts very mixed. In one way from a spiritual prospective I felt it should be left as it was. However, it does give a lot of insight in to the past
• Should never have been removed. Study it - yes. Remove it - no.
• Fascinating, but back breaking
• An important link with the past, but now it has been forcibly removed I hope it is re-sited somewhere outside. Then it could still be revered for spiritual meditation, as well as a source of information for future generation