A timber circle dating back 4,000 years which was found in the sea off
the Norfolk coast is to return to the county in a permanent display.
Seahenge, with 55 oak posts and a central upturned stump dating from
the Bronze Age, was found emerging from a beach at Holme-next-the-Sea
in 1998.
Timbers were studied at the Bronze Age Centre, Peterborough, then
preserved at the Mary Rose Trust, Portsmouth.
Next month Seahenge will go on display at the Lynn Museum in King's
Lynn.
After Seahenge was excavated, 3D laser scanning revealed the earliest
metal tool marks on wood ever discovered in Britain.
'Remains mysterious'
Archaeologists at the Bronze Age Centre, believe between 50 and 80
people may have helped build the circle, possibly to mark the death of
an important individual.
Seahenge became exposed at low tides after the peat dune covering it
was swept away by winter storms.
The site's excavation was initially halted by protests by a group of
about 12 Druids and environmental campaigners who said the sea had
cared for the site for 4,000 years and would continue to do so.
But researchers said the exposed wood was deteriorating fast.
Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Norfolk County Council has
been provided for the Seahenge Gallery project at the Lynn Museum
which will house the timber, displayed in its original formation.
The central stump, which is still being treated, will join the gallery
at a later date.
John Gretton, of Norfolk County Council, said: "The discovery of
Seahenge in the summer of 1998 captured the imagination of the public
and archaeologists alike.
"Whilst the research done on the timbers has led to some historians
drawing conclusions, the original function of Seahenge remains
mysterious, and I hope that visitors will flock to the newly restored
Lynn Museum to speculate on the ancient meaning behind the timbers -
which we were able to rescue for all time from further damage."
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