A team of volunteer ‘treewrights’, under the supervision of Carpenter-in-Residence Joe Thompson, began the construction of the timber frame of our Anglo-Saxon hall house in June 2015.
Work was completed in autumn 2016 and the building was opened for the first time with a two day celebration from 14-15 October 2016.
The Anglo-Saxon hall house (map reference E3) is signposted from the woodland path – please do explore this wonderful Exhibit in our woodland.
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Overview
Excavation
1988–89
Construction
2015–16
Original Location
Steyning, Sussex
Building History
Archaeological Evidence
The Anglo-Saxon hall house project was researched by a team from the Museum with input from external experts. It is based on archaeological evidence from a site in Steyning, West Sussex from 950AD, which was excavated by a team led by Dr Mark Gardiner in 1988-89.
Construction of the Saxon framework.
Above ground details have been informed by various sources, such as waterlogged sites in the Thames Basin, and individuals including Richard Darrah and Dr Damian Goodburn, both of whom have many years of experience both in examining pre-Norman timberworks and in carrying out experimental practical archaeology.
Photo Gallery: Construction & Opening
Further images of the Anglo-Saxon house construction can be found in our series of blog posts chronicling the process, beginning with Update 1: Wood from the Trees
Top 3 Interesting Facts
Reconstruction
At the Museum there are only two archaeological reconstructions, all other buildings have been moved to the site.
Saxon Era Carpentry
‘Treewrighting’ is the term used to explain the skill in constructing the frame of this building in a different way from later buildings at the Museum.
Archaeological Finds
The finds of the archaeological are held at Worthing Museum and give an insight into the status and daily lives of the inhabitants.
