As part of the of the Flodden 1513 Ecomuseum project, a host of community volunteers working on the project have been uncovering a range of historical objects from sites found all around Flodden and the battlefield. The second of these three FREE events, which are programmed in the latter half of 2016, will focus on the flint finds. The flint workshop will be run by Dr Rob Young, taking place at the Coldstream Museum on 1st October between 10am and 3pm.
Throughout the Flodden 500 project, many volunteers have taken part in excavations, uncovering a surprising array of flint tools from a wide range of prehistory. Field walking has also played a major part in discovering flint, where volunteers have carefully walked transects through recently ploughed fields, searching for any objects of interest, being meticulous in both locating and unearthing each and every one.
Dr Rob Young works for English Heritage as a Historic Environment Advisor, after lecturing around the world for more than 20 years. Rob will begin the event by looking at the broad range of flint tools common to the area, before showing how some of the tools found by community volunteers. In the afternoon there will be a flint knapping demonstration, with an opportunity for everyone to have a go themselves.
“Flint is a fascinating material that is often overlooked, “said Alistair Bowden, part of the Flodden 1513 Ecomuseum project.
“This workshop gives members of the public the chance to discover just how vital flint was to the lives of people in the region, and the ingenious ways it has been used over the centuries.
Alistair goes on to say: “These workshops are always hugely popular, so I would urge anyone wishing to get involved to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”
While Northumberland is well known for its Bronze Age sites and prehistoric monuments, the number of flint tools found at Flodden was a surprise to volunteers. The presence of so many tools in the area shows that Flodden was a site of local importance, long before the battle, and has been habited for thousands of years.
A third and final workshop will be held on 22 October, led by Dr. David Caldwell, looking at military objects, and will include a demonstration of period weaponry by Dr. John Sadler.
To book a FREE place or ask for further information about the forthcoming events, visitwww.flodden1513.com or email alistair@hulam.co.uk.