Chalk Sculpting
David Freeman
This course will look at the origins of chalk and the use of chalk as an art medium in pre-history. We will look at examples of archaeological finds and explore the history of Iron Age art work styles.
There will be hands -on experience of producing a number of sculptures.

Cost : £50.00

Sun 20th May

Roundhouse Construction
David Freeman

Topics covered include evidence and history of the roundhouse in Britain, materials and sourcing, carpentry in ancient times, use and design of tools, frame construction and engineering dynamics, wattle and daub ( and the alternatives), thatching methods/materials, living conditions and management. With practical experience.

Cost : £75.00

An Introduction to Archaeological Excavation & Recording Techniques
Steve Dyer & Joyce Herve

The two day course will cover a number of basic archaeological fieldwork and recording techniques, including introduction to archaeology, finds types and dates, hand excavation of layers and features, section and plan drawing, basic site surveying, archaeological photography, finds processing, basics of stratigraphy.

Cost : £60.00

Sun 3rd June

Remedies for Today from Native British Herbs
Christina Stapley

A day for exploring those herbs available to our ancestors and examining both their traditional uses handed down to us, and the ways in which they are used in herbal medicine today. There will be time to look at each whole herb as we make safe and useful herbal remedies such as teas, ointments and oils for everyday conditions. One recipe will be available to take home. Herbs featured will include betony, agrimony, meadowsweet, marshmallow, burdock, nettle, ribwort plantain, elder, St. John’s wort, self-heal and yarrow.

Cost : £45.00

Silver Wrist Torque Workshop
Neil Burridge

Metal smiths in the Bronze Age (1000BC) developed a surprisingly high level of skill in wrought bronze and gold working using twisting and forging methods in the production of wrist and neck torques to supply the increasing demand for jewellery and body adornment.
In this workshop, you will use these same methods to make your own wrought silver wrist torque with twisted body and tapered end. Working with pure silver square rod 3..6mm x 140mm we will explore forging with stone tools, different twisting techniques and the problems of work-hardening and annealing metals. Pure silver is rarely seen today, being much softer to work. As it does not tarnish and always returns to the soft white colour of the moon, one can understand why some ancient peoples valued it as highly as gold.

Cost : £75.00

Sat 9th June

Pottery
David Freeman

Two linked weekend sessions Sat 9th June & Sat 21st/ Sun 22nd July

Session 1:
Evidence for pottery. Design and use of pots.
Sourcing clay. Pugging and preparation. Pot construction.

Session 2:
Evidence for kilns and ways of firing.
Construction methods of kilns.
Firing your pots using assorted methods. (takes 24 hours minimum)

We can help to arrange overnight accommodation on the second weekend.

Cost : £85.00 for the two sessions

Sun 1st July

Roman Day, Herbs in the Villa
Christina Stapley

Celebrating the popular herbs grown for use in the Roman home. We owe some of our most valued herbs, thyme, sage, bay, white horehound, lovage, garlic and more to the coming of the Romans. Through the works of Pliny, Celsus, and other Roman writers we can understand why they felt it so essential to bring these Mediterranean herbs to Britain. In making authentic medicinal recipes in the actual “Roman Villa” at Butser, we can explore how these herbs can help us today. Led by medicinal herbalist Christina Stapley, the course offers information on the safe use of herbs in treating everyday problems. Breathe in the uplifting perfumes as you mould rose petals with exotic ingredients to make the ‘rhodides’ of Dioscorides, or weave herbs in wreaths to cure headaches. Learn to blend herbs to make pills, drinks and salves. In short, learn about Romano-British daily life.

Cost : £45.00

Sun 1st July

Flint Knapping
Will Lord

Will has been flint knapping for 30 years and with his experience you will learn how to make a range of flint tools using coarse granite pebbles and deer antler hammers, taking home the things you make. Flint itself also hosts a number of interesting features and a few surprises!

See Will in action here

Cost : £85.00

A Master class in Roman Frescoes
Madeleine Allison

Spend a day studying the history and techniques of this ancient art and make a genuine buon-fresco panel to take home.

Cost : £50.00

Tuesdays in August

Butser Warriors
Veratrix of the Atrebate

Download info

Experience Iron Age life during the summer holidays.
Each Tuesday in August you can try something different!

Tuesday 7th August - Building Day
Tuesday 14th August - Metalworking Day
Tuesday 21st August - Cooking Day
Tuesday 28th August - Iron Age Art Day

10AM – 4PM

Age Range 8-11 years

Pre-booking is essential and numbers will be limited.
Bring a packed lunch and drink.
Please phone 023 92 598838 to book.

Each day will Cost: £20.00

Sat 18th Aug

Roman Cooking
Sally Grainger

Spend the day with the Roman food historian and cook Sally Grainger and her husband fellow Roman specialist Dr Chris Grocock. The day includes lecture and presentation on the nature of Roman - Italian food and the wider social aspect of Romano - British dining practices where we can detect differences; watch and participate in the preparation and presentation of a Roman feast in the villa kitchen, which will be shared by all participants. Plenty of opportunity for lively discussion and debate. Participants may if they wish dress for dinner and experiment with reclining to eat.

Cost : £50.00

Sat 18th Aug

Coracle Building
David Freeman

A unique opportunity to build your own coracle and paddle with a wooden frame and cloth cover, waterproofed with pitch. If time allows, there will be a trip to water to try out your coracle.

Trailer or roof rack required to take your coracle home with you.
(Maximum number on course -5)

Cost : £100.00

Textiles
David Freeman

Learn about evidence for clothing and materials, clothing styles, in prehistory, use of fibres, loom design and use.
Spin a yarn, dye with plants including woad, practise on a range of looms, weave patterns. Look at construction of clothing.

Cost : £60.00

An Introduction to Archaeological Excavation & Recording Techniques
Steve Dyer & Joyce Herve

The two day course will cover a number of basic archaeological fieldwork and recording techniques, including introduction to archaeology, finds types and dates, hand excavation of layers and features, section and plan drawing, basic site surveying, archaeological photography, finds processing, basics of stratigraphy.

Cost : £60.00

Sat 13th Oct

Roundhouse Construction
David Freeman

Topics covered include evidence and history of the roundhouse in Britain, materials and sourcing, carpentry in ancient times, use and design of tools, frame construction and engineering dynamics, wattle and daub (and the alternatives), thatching methods/materials, living conditions and management. With practical experience.

Cost : £75.00

Sat 13th Oct

Hedgerow Basketry for Improvers
Christina Stapley

Little experience is necessary to enjoy this day making a basket to take home. However, this is an opportunity for those who have previously made baskets on beginners’ days to return and while appreciating historical uses, make different shapes of baskets, or concentrate more on adding decorative weaves to their experience. Instruction will again be given in choosing the right stems, harvesting times and methods, storage and preparation of weavers and stakes. Further practical experience in the ancient craft of basket weaving and design will add to a working knowledge of the textures, appearance and flexibility of various natural materials. Some materials provided and information on suitable stems to harvest from home and bring is also given on booking. Anyone interested in a beginners’ day should also contact the Farm.

Cost : £ 45.00

Sat 13th Oct

Bronze Sword
Neil Burridge

The Ballintober sword, dating to c1100BC, is the first leaf shaped sword made in Britain. This workshop will explore the manufacture of swords from the period and a 21” blade will be cast using authentic methods. Each person will then work on their own blade, identical to the one cast by the group, and finish the day by looking at handle designs.

Cost : £ 90.00

Blacksmithing
David Freeman

This course will look at the prehistoric use of iron and the archaeology of iron working and tools. There will be hands on experience of the construction of a basic forge and bellows, and the forging and production of a finished item to take away at the end of the day.

Protective shoes/boots advised. Goggles and gloves provided.

Cost : £75.00

Natural Christmas Decorations
Julie Wileman

Make your own unique table centre, door wreath and tree ornaments from natural materials and a little genius! Hands on day school will help you become the envy of all your friends!

Cost : £55.00