Saxon living history days
Angles, Saxons and Jutes are setting up camp in the City Museum, Winchester, during half-term week.
They will bring Winchester’s Dark Age history alive for visitors young and old on Friday 1 November and Saturday 2 November, 10am - 3.30pm each day.
Members of local re-enactment group Weorod will be on hand dressed in period costume from the 6th and 7th centuries, a time when our Anglo-Saxon ancestors were becoming established in the Kingdom of Wessex, with its centre at Winchester.
Visitors will be able to handle replica objects and find out all about the weapons and war gear of the period, crafts of the time such as antler and bone-working, leather-working and bow-making, food and cookery, and medicine and folklore.
Robin Iles, Winchester City Council Museums Education Officer said:
Visitors coming to see our Anglo-Saxon re-enactors will also be able to see some amazing artefacts from this mysterious period of history on display in the museum, including spearheads and swords, beautifully made jewellery, pottery burial urns and a magnificent bronze hanging bowl from Oliver’s Battery.
Cllr Rob Humby, Deputy Leader of Winchester City Council whose portfolio includes museums, tourism and the arts, said:
This period of history is often known as the ‘Dark Ages’, so this event is a great chance for local families to find out what life was really like for people living in and around Winchester nearly 1,500 years ago.
Admission to the City Museum is free – just turn up. The event runs 10am – 3.30pm each day on Friday 1 November and Saturday 2 November 2013. For more details call the City Museum on 01962 863 064, email museums@winchester.gov.uk or visit the website www.winchester.gov.uk/museums