Some of the five rows can be seen in this view, running left to right. Archaeologists in Eastern England usually identify prehistoric structures by slight stains in the soil, representing post holes, ditches etc. However, here at Flagfen, the wetland conditions naturally preserved many of the actual timbers of these structures. The structure was in use for a very long time - It was erected and maintained between 1300 BC and 955 BC. However, some finds suggest that it continued to be used well into the following Iron Age.
What was the post alignment and platform used for? The favoured theory of the archaeologists was that it had some kind of 'ritual' use. Over three hundred bronze items were found along the alignment - all amongst the timbers, or along the south side of them, including four complete swords, three rapiers, two daggers, part of a bronze shield, several spearheads, etc. Many of the items had been purposely smashed or broken before being deposited. The suggestion is that these valuables were being 'sacrificed', or given to the marshes and waters to symbolise power or wealth.
The theory goes on to suggest that this was a Bronze Age tradition that still survives in Britain today, with the flicking of coins into wishing wells and springs (go on, make a 'wish'). The site, with its flooded bogs, and swords also teases us with the Arthurian myth of the 'Lady of the Lake" - usually acredited to a Romano-Celtic culture that survived until the 6th century AD..
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