Hands on History at the Museum of Gloucester

Inspired by the recent discovery of an Iron Age settlement within metres of Greyfriars Green, the Museum of Gloucester are creating a festival feel in their sanctuary behind the Museum. Ashley, the Museums Engagement Officer, has written the following piece about the event.

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When I discovered the beautiful field behind the Museum I just knew we had to host an event here! A sanctuary in the City, Greyfriars Field as it’s known would be the space for an event to celebrate our collections, to share our love for history and archaeology. 

I asked Pario Gallico and Axe and Paddle if they’d come to Gloucester for some displays and activities… then I sent an email to our beloved city Archaeologist to let him know and see if he’d like to come… he replied “the most obvious thought is that, very recently we’ve discovered evidence of Iron Age settlement at Greyfriars – so about 30 metres away from where this event will be – there’s a lot we could say about the Iron Age in the area.” Yes! How amazing! Andrew will be here sharing this research and his general expertise in all things’ archaeology in Gloucester.  

I have followed Caroline of Pario Gallico for years, her work to bring the Iron Age to life is incredible. Her research and talent is shown in her displays all over the country, but for me, I was particularly drawn to how she works with natural pigments, the earth, to make art in a way our ancestors did, it is done with such care. Caroline will be joined by her partner Tom for a live Iron Age Blacksmithing demonstration, using tools and  techniques like 2,000years ago - reconstructed from archaeological finds and tested out by Tom, as a professional blacksmith and heritage knife maker (part of tree heritage crafts association UK). Tom and Caroline are moving to Scotland soon we’re so lucky to have them joining us! 

From Sussex but moving to Wales, Steve and Kirsty of Axe & Paddle Bushcraft are a family passionate about bushcraft, being outdoors with their children and sharing their love for making. Steve is a 6 foot cockney charmer! He’ll woo you in with the banter and also share his research into the things he loves, in this instance, working with deer skin. He shares the care he has for animals with his kids, his daughter recently helped him skin a deer learning that these animals are food and clothing and more for us.  

Elizabeth, is our Educator Extraordinaire at the Museum and has crafted a special Saxon charms and remedies activity just for kids. She’s a very humble expert in her field, and we hope that soon enough, she’ll be helping us build a roundhouse on this very site! She’ll be joined by Rachel who is the illustrator responsible for our characters for our loan boxes, meticulously researched, these drawings bring Gloucester of the past to life for kids. She’ll be helping you dress up and experience Gelvum, Roman Gloucester.  

In the Museum, Doc Saurus will share his dinosaur and fossil collection! And while in there, you can buy a cake for your coffee from our coffee cart coming to visit us. 

And me, well I’ll be in the magical marquee sharing some stories of Goddesses from around the world with our replica Birdlip Mirror.  

You can find out more here: