Sea Henge Timber Circle View all content for Sea Henge

Visited 28.10.14 Directions: Lynn Museum, Market Street, Kings Lynn (entrance at the bus station) Being a big Time Team fan I have wanted to see these timbers ever since the (in)famous 'special'. It's a long way from Cardiff to Kings Lynn but at last I got the chance. I had planned this holiday and booked the hotels months ago but last week my dad passed away at the 'ripe old age' of 93. I know this is a 'good innings' as they say but the sense of grief remains the same. The holiday was therefore nearly cancelled but as there was nothing I could do at home it seemed pointless moping about at home. From October to March the museum is free to enter which is an added bonus. I was able to buy a leaflet on Seahenge for 50p but was surprised there wasn't something more 'substantial' available to buy. Although they did have several Francis Pryor books on display. Myself and Dafydd eagerly went through the door marked Seahenge exhibition (unfortunately no audio phones available) and we made our way past the model of one of the Seahenge builders and the reconstructed outside of the timber circle. Although made of fiber glass it does look like real wood to be fair. We the turned around the corner to see the real thing (well, half of the circle anyway) encased behind glass. The information boards are very good although I was expecting the timbers to be rather larger. Enclosed in a separate glass case is the mighty upside down tree trunk, complete with hole in order to drag it across the land. The tree trunk is very big, much larger than I was expecting. There are also several display cabinets showing prehistoric finds from the locality. There are also very good. The rest of the museum covers the Roman period right through to recent times. The start attraction of the museum of course is Seahenge. It really is very special and well worth the effort involved in getting to see it. Lynn Museum isn't very big and I can see that they have done their best to display the timbers. However, it is a pity that the circle couldn't be displayed in its entirety with the tree trunk in the middle. Perhaps one day this may be possible? I assume the other timbers are safely stored away somewhere? Do try to visit the museum if you happen to be in the area. It is well worth it. *** It seems likely that the upturned tree trunk served as a place for a body to be exposed to the elements in order to be 'prepared' for burial. Last week my father passed away and yesterday I had a 'phone call from my sister to say that he is now at the funeral home being 'prepared' for his funeral next week. It may me think of the emotions the people who built Seahenge must have also been going through. These notes are dedicated to my dad who I thank for taking me on holiday around this wonderful country of ours whilst I was growing up and hence installing my 'curiosity' to visit places of my own.

Posted by CARL 29th October 2014ce

Comments (6)
Sorry to hear of your loss Carl.	Posted by Ravenfeather 31st October 2014ce
Best wishes at this time Carl	Posted by ryaner 31st October 2014ce
In my opinion the nurturing of a young curiosity is one of the best gifts a parent can impart. You've certainly utilised yours. No doubt your dad was really proud of how you turned out, Carl.	Posted by GLADMAN 31st October 2014ce
Sad news Carl. Lovely fieldnotes.	Posted by thelonious 1st November 2014ce
A lovely tribute to your father Carl.....	Posted by moss 1st November 2014ce
Thanks folks for your kind words.	Posted by CARL 1st November 2014ce
You must be logged in to add a comment