Special conference in King’s Lynn will celebrate Norfolk’s Seahenge

Another view of the timbers in situ Picture: Norfolk Museums Service

The Bronze Age timber circle was found on the beach at Holme by John Lorimer, late in 1988.

The discovery captured the attention of both archaeologists and the media alike.

Druids protest at plans to excavate the timbers Picture: Brian Waite

The EDP at the time coined the name 'Seahenge' – a name which has stuck, although strictly speaking the structure is not a henge.

Controversy erupted after archaeologists announced they would excavate the ring of timbers and their central stump.

Confrontation over Seahenge as Druid protestor Buster Nolan and project manager Dr Bill Boismeyer come face to face Picture: Brian Waite

Protesters tried to stop the dig. But scientists discovered early society was more advanced than had been previously believed when they examined the relic.

A decade later, in 2008, a permanent exhibition featuring preserved timbers from the monument was opened at Lynn Museum.

The dig under way Picture: Steve Adams (Image: COPYRIGHT ECN 1998)

Seahenge 2018, an all-day event to celebrate this double anniversary, is being held in King's Lynn on Saturday, November 10.

It will be opened by Francis Pryor, the archaeologist famous for his appearances on Channel 4's Time Team and his work at Flag Fen, near Peterborough.

The central stump is lifted clear of the beach Picture: Archant

Tickets are now on sale to the public for the conference which will be held at Marriott's Warehouse and Lynn Museum.

There will be speakers at Marriott's Warehouse on a range of topics including the original discovery, excavation and research.

The central stump on display at Lynn Museum Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2010)

At Lynn Museum there will be an opportunity to take part in object handling sessions and to meet John Lorimer, who is credited with bringing Seahenge to the attention of the academic community. A guided walk around the area where Seahenge was discovered will take place on the Thursday before the conference. It will be joined by Dr David Robertson, an archaeologist who studied the remains of a second Bronze Age timber circle found at the site.

To conclude the celebrations on Saturday, Lynn Museum will host an informal evening with Elly Griffiths, whose novel Crossing Places was inspired by Seahenge. A reading from the work will be followed by a Q&A session and book signing.

A second timber circle emerges at Holme in 2001 Picture: john Hocknell

Oliver Bone, curator of Lynn Museum, said: 'It is a tremendous privilege for us to have had the original monument here at the museum for the last 10 years.

'Seahenge 2018 offers us the opportunity to share the stories surrounding its discovery, preservation and significance in a novel forum. It will be wonderful to hear directly from those involved in the initial identification of the site, as well as those involved in interpreting the academic research for members of the public.'

Click here for more information or to book tickets for the walk. Click here for more information or to book tickets for the conference.