Pages

Showing posts with label medieval. Show all posts
Showing posts with label medieval. Show all posts

Friday, July 27, 2007

Weekend Outings - Camlann

Another weekend outing I managed to squeeze in a few weeks ago was to our local medieval village...


According to its website, Camlann Medieval Village "is a living history project of rural England, set in the year 1376, dedicated to interpreting the cultural and artistic heritage of 14th century Europe in all of its colorful complexities. Role-playing villagers, hand-craft demonstrators and skilled musicians portray every day village life; medieval meals and festivals are presented in settings designed to allow visitors to experience firsthand this oft misunderstood period of history."

It really is a fascinating cluster of buildings, land, and very dedicated people living outside of maintstream, contemporary society... There are weekend 'events', classes, tours, festivals and banquets offered throughout the year.

There are at least a half dozen permenant structures, and plans for any number of additions as time and funds allow. We got to wander around the village and chat with the various villagers who were dressed in period clothing and acting completely in character in their chosen role (laborer, scribe, blacksmith, inn-keep, etc...)

The longest standing building there is the Bors Hede Inne which is a dinner 'theater' type of experience.

We stayed for supper - which was delicious. Traditional 14th century food, served on trenchers (no forks in sight) and accompanied by singing and a chatty inn keeper made for a delightful evening.

Weekend Outings - Camlann

A smattering of village content:

Camlann is nestled in amongst lush woods filled with bracken and moss-dripping, fairy-worthy, vine maple bowers nestled between huge trees....

We got to see some of the token livestock whose wool is used in spinning and dying demonstrations...

We also got to chat with the village blacksmith, who was making giant iron door hinges for the new building under construction...

Some tools of the trade...

Weekend Outings - Camlann

The project that was being highlighted the weekend we were there was a new, single-dwelling structure that was in the process of being wattled-and daubed.

The walls had just finished getting the last few vine maple branches (indigenous material of the Pacific Northwest) added and woven into the lattice pattern that will be soon be covered in clay daub.

I was quite taken with the pattern and texture of the back lit weaving. It's almost a shame that it will soon be invisible inside the walls...


Period tools were evident...




The daub - being mixed in a hole in the ground in front of the structure, ready to begin covering and insulating the latticework....

It is a fascinating place. Made more so by the dedication of the folks who people this place... A very interesting life-style choice...