Cross beasts
Latest carving in the longhall, based on images on the 8th century Ruthwell Cross in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, a location that was then part of the Kingdom of Northumbria. The animals […]
Category Archives: Saxon
Chest enhancement
A beautiful chest has been made based on some of the numerous chest fragments found in the 9th century Oseberg boat burial from Norway. Its made from beech with a […]
All washed up
The gable end of the longhall takes a bit of a battering from the prevailing weather, so it was treated to a refresh, with four new coats of limewash. The […]
Turning corners
The pole lathes have been in action, turning bits of ash to make the legs for the Roman couch. The design is based on the legs shown on the tombstone […]
At home with the Vikings
Thanks to Draca Beorder re-enactment group for another excellent Viking themed day at Avalon Archaeology. Lots of people came to enjoy themselves experiencing a bit of Norse culture in the […]
Jester’s hat
The latest design in the Roman mosaic has been completed. Nicknamed the Jester’s Hat by the volunteers, it features a Gordian knot at its centre. The very last of the […]
Colour and craft
Caz has very kindly made a display of the wonderful colour range she produced by dyeing wool with three different plants, dried weld for the yellow, greens and browns, madder […]
Of beasts and wool
In the longhall weaving has begun on the large loom. Caz and Alastair created a selvage strip with weaving tablets, using blue and cream coloured wool to begin a c.50cm […]
Countryfile visit
The BBC Countryfile team were in Somerset the other week and filmed at the site as part of a feature on King Alfred the Great and his struggles with the […]
Longhall Movember makeover
In the interests of solidarity with Movember the Saxon longhall has had a moustache added under its eyes. The row of hand made oak shingles were needed to divert water […]
'Hands on Heritage' in the Avalon Marshes 