Saxon

In a typical Saxon workshop, the children will be introduced to a Saxon ‘leech’ (medical man, doctor or physician) whose name is ‘Bald’:

Bald introduces himself and explains about the curiosities of Anglo-Saxon medicine, such as flying venom and tooth worms.

The children are divided into two groups to do parallel activities, swapping round when complete:

• One group is given a selection of authentic ailments/ illnesses/complaints. The children take them to Bald, who looks them up in his leech book and hands them the cure written in plain English on a piece of paper, reflecting the diverse aspects of the medicine of the day, e.g. genuine charms, herbal cures, religion and ritual. (Based on a genuine Anglo-Saxon medical text called ‘The Leech Book of Bald’).

• The second group will make ink to a genuine Saxon recipe, which can be taken back to school.

• Bald will light a fire in the manner of the Saxons.The children can have a go at producing sparks with a flint and steel. If time permits, the children can have a go at weaving with a lucet (15 at a time).

This is usually accompanied by a Saxon myths and legends tour, during which the children discover the relevance and importance of Wildwood’s animals and their place in Saxon mythology and culture.

Please note that loom weaving, felting, nettle string and dyeing with plants and lichens are more suitable for a full day Saxon event rather than one hour workshops.

Saxon food and feasting is possible within a one-hour workshop, but needs advance confirmation with sufficient lead-in time to gather and prepare ingredients and would only cover this one aspect.

If you are interested in doing a Saxon tour please click HERE.