Calling all warriors!
Get an exclusive look into our Mere Tun Village from 12 – 3pm during the summer holidays and see how wetlands were used throughout the ages. Find out more about how materials were used to create roundhouse villages and something we’re really excited about – defend our village with our weapons training sessions!
Take a look at what’s on offer:
Weapons training: We need your help! Have you got what it takes to stop an attack on our Mere Tun Village? Join us each day for weapons training in the Mere Tun Village. Pick up your sword and shield, and work together to build a strong shield wall to keep invaders away.
Willow weaving: The villagers have lost their livestock! Work with us to build a wall out of willow tree branches using a weaving technique – just like what would have been used in the past.
Weaver’s hut: Take a look inside our weaver’s hut and see a traditional Anglo-Saxon and Viking loom that would have been used throughout history for weaving cloth.
Roundhouse: Learn more about how we use clay, water, and manure to create an amazing roundhouse. We’ll also talk you through the steps of thatching the roof to keep it nice and secure!
Wetland materials: Wetland materials are amazing, providing humans with food, crafting materials, medicines and more. Did you know willow trees can provide natural pain relief? Take a look at the different wetland materials and methods used throughout the ages, and have a go at your own arts and crafts in our Longhouse Village craft room.
Craft room (1-4pm): Our lecture theatre has been transformed into a longhouse craft room! Get stuck in with arts and crafts such as clay modelling, building your own mini-roundhouse, traditional weaving and more. We have a range of free and paid crafts on offer.
The Mere Tun Village is accessible at no extra cost, so you can enjoy this experience as part of your regular admission (with members entering free). Some activities will be dependent on volunteer availability.