Norfolk Woodhenge

Abstract

As stated in the preliminary announcement of the arrangements for tho Norwich meeting of the British Association this year, the Norwich Research Committee has undertaken the excavation of the remarkable example of the type of monument, known to archaeologists as ‘Woodhenge’, in the parish of Arminghall in the south-eastern outskirts of the city. The generic term ‘Woodhenge’ was first used by Mrs. M. E. Cunnhigton to describe the circle near Amesbury with wooden uprights in placo of stone, which she excavated in 1926 and 1928. The Norfolk Woodhenge, which was discovered from the air in 1929, was known from air photographs to be a striking example of the type, consisting of two concentric rings, in the inner and broader of which was a gap giving access to the central space, around which were nine dark patches, presumed to be the post holes of the uprights of the circle. The completion of the work of excavation, which has been carried out under the direction of Mr. J. G. D. Clark, will enable members of the British Association, who have not previously had tho opportunity, to form an idea at first hand of this striking development in the history of prehistoric monuments. In a preliminary report of the results of the excavation communicated to The Times of September 3, it is stated that excavation has confirmed the surface indications of a diameter for the outer circle of 262 ft. and for the central area within tho smallor circle of 87 ft. Tho outer circle was found to be a ditch 12 ft. wide and 4 ft. 8 in. deep, the inner circle a ditch 28 ft. wide and 7 ft. 8 in. deep. As anticipated, the dark patches of the photographs are post-holes with ramps. The posts were found to consist of oak trunks some 3 ft, in diameter, set to a depth of 7 ft., after charring for preservation. It was ovidont that they had been dragged into position before the construction of the great inner ditch. No trace of burial was found in the enclosure, though there is evidence of burials nearby. Pottery of the Beaker type dates the structure at 1800-1500 B.C.