Druids Despair As Seahenge Set For Dry Berth

IOL (South Africa) ^ | 11-19-2001

[blam]

Druids despair as Seahenge set for dry berth

November 19 2001 at 04:16PM

London - A Bronze Age timber circle dug up on a beach two years ago should not be returned to its original site, where it would be vulnerable to the forces of the North Sea, English Heritage said on Monday.

The 4 000-year-old structure, which became known as Seahenge, was found off the coast of Norfolk, north-east England, and removed despite prolonged protests by locals and Druid groups, who said the circle was a religious monument.

English Heritage, the preservation group that oversaw and financed the removal of the 54 oak posts which surrounded an upturned tree stump, said the prehistoric structure was in danger of being destroyed by the sea.

The organisation is talking with the timber circle's owner, le Strange Estate, and local groups about the chances of putting the structure on public display and will hold a public meeting on its recommendation later this month.

Three-dimensional laser scanning techniques are giving archeologists new insights into the circle, which has been dated to the spring of 2049 BC, when the trees were cut down to create the posts.

The research has so far indicated that the community which built the structure was more advanced and organised than previously believed.

"It is remarkable that this tiny community was able to lay hands on such a large number of tools only about 100 years after the knowledge of how to make bronze arrived in this country," said Francis Pryor, director of archaeology at Flag Fen Archaeological Center, where the scanning is being done.

English Heritage estimated it would take five years and cost £40 000 (about R550 000) to complete the conservation process. - Sapa-AP

[RightWhale]

Man, if I'm ever charged with a crime that I didn't commit, I do NOT want you on my jury!!!

I am a fair juror. Strict, but fair. I usually get excused by the defense attorney, one of the 3 free kicks. Unless they run out of free kicks before my name is called.

[FormerLib]

I am a fair juror. Strict, but fair.

Sorry, gonna have to stick with one that's familiar with the concept of evidence! ;-)

[SunkenCiv]

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[SunkenCiv]

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