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Sea Henge

The Rot Sets In?

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I suppose the replica is exposed to the air (and creatures and so on), whereas the original was preserved so long because it was away from the oxygen for thousands of years. Like a bog body. Maybe the original got buried relatively quickly, the shore can change fast in Norfolk. I don't know that it was originally built right in the way of the tide, I'd kind of assumed not? It'd be much more decayed or gone now if it'd been left there once it emerged last century, presumably.

That is to say, doesn't it all depend rather on where the circle was originally built and what happened to it, which might be rather different to the replica's situation.

is that relevant do you think

Rhiannon

The replica is only a couple of miles from Seahenge, but, as you observe, it's not in exactly the same environment. However, the main observable difference is that none of the original timbers fell or leant, so the builders may have taken greater care in packing the bases than did Time Team. Perhaps, we might say 'they knew what they were doing'!

Maybe they were aware of how rapidly the wood might decay, and I imagine the timbers of the replica have considerable life left in them. My feeling is that left to itself the replica will simply collapse as the timbers fall over. The only permanent component may well be the upturned tree trunk. After all, that turned out to be the truly enduring feature.