The Kingston Brooch - perhaps the finest example of Anglo-Saxon jewellery, now in the Liverpool Museum

(also the background to this page).

Morning Session: Warfare

I will set out materials for the warfare craft activity before the lesson starts. I will need some children to help.

 

1. Introduction to the Anglo-Saxons (15 mins)

Who were the Anglo-Saxons? Where did they come from and why? What changes did they bring to Britain and its people? (look at photos, maps, artistic reconstructions etc. on the whiteboard)

2. Anglo-Saxon Warfare (15 mins)

A look at Anglo-Saxon warriors and their gear. Children will see my replicas of a sword, seax, helmet and shield:

Click photo for a larger version.

Replica of a seax (possibly used for hunting)

My replica of the Coppergate helmet

The real Coppergate Helmet, in the Yorkshire Museum in York. Mostly iron, it has now rusted. It was owned by a nobleman, and has two gold bands inscribed with a Christian prayer, and his name, Oshere.

Click here to see the inscription and its translation

 

3. Make helmets and shields (100-120 mins)

 

Children will work in pairs to make Anglo-Saxon helmets and shields. They use a wide variety of high quality materials such as strong card, gold and silver metallic card, strong glue, and sellotape. The finished items look amazing and make a wonderful display.

 

As the helmets are difficult and time consuming a maximum of 4 pairs will make them. Please note that 2 active adult helpers are required in order to make both helmets and shields. If fewer adults are present we will just make shields.

 

Lunch Break

 

We will need some children or adults to help set out the materials for the jewellery making in the afternoon.

 

Making a helmet at Sutton Oaks Primary

 

The shield found at Sutton Hoo

(early 7th century burial of a king)

The famous Sutton Hoo helmet, in the British Museum

 

Helmet:

 

Replica of the Coppergate helmet which children will make. The helmet is made with gold and silver card,

templates, and bronze coloured tulle fabric, to give a chainmail effect.

Shield:

 

 

 

 

Shields were usually round with a conical boss. Little is known about the designs although metal decorations have been found and traces of colours painted on the front.

  

Children can choose from various designs. The rim was bound with leather. In the workshop brown wrapping paper is used.

 

Click photo to see larger version

 

 

A real shield boss

 

If any children finish they can do a rune worksheet. They can write their name in runes, then put them on their helmet or shield.

 

Side view of a reconstruction of the Sutton Hoo helmet

The Sutton Hoo sword (British Museum) and the Gilling Sword (Yorkshire Museum)

 

Afternoon Session: Jewellery

1. Introduction to Anglo-Saxon Art and Jewellery (30 mins)

Children learn about Anglo-Saxon metalwork such as brooches and clasps. Like the weapons and armour seen in the morning, these items were beautifully decorated. Given the impressive artistry of Anglo-Saxon jewellery, one might ask whether this period should really be called the Dark Ages.

Can you see two boars, as well as two birds?

We will look at photos (see examples below) as well as some replicas of gold and silver jewellery (made in the same way that the children will make their own copies). These items often have features such as animals (e.g. snakes and birds) hidden in the intricate details of the artwork. These can be fun to try to find and we will play a game of 'spot the animal' (see Sutton Hoo clasp above).

 

The bird decoration on the Sutton Hoo shield

 

 

Afternoon Session: Jewellery, continued

2. Making Jewellery (90+ mins)

Children now make their own jewellery. They use special gold and silver foil for embossing, as well as carefully designed paper templates, red glass pebbles and red sticky back vinyl (to represent the garnet stones inlaid in brooches), embossing tools, gold and black permanent marker pens, and ballpoint pens.

The foil is tricky to work with and easily damaged, so lower ability children will use high quality gold card instead of the foil (as well as red vinyl and gold pens).

Please note that due to the complex nature of this activity, at least 2 extra adults will be required as active helpers in order to do the full range of jewellery items. If fewer adults are present we will avoid the more difficult items and do the 3 easier categories (a total of 9 designs).

The photos above and below give an idea of what these items will look like. There are 8 designs, to suit a range of abilities. Children work on their own. Click here to see large photos of the replicas plus the originals

Centre of the Strickland Brooch

One of the decorations on the outside of the Fuller Brooch (there are 3 to choose from)

 

Support needed

This activity is challenging, but intensive teaching and support will be given. To ensure good outcomes, however, it will be necessary to get extra adults in to help (TAs or parents) - both for this and the warfare session.

The photos below show some of the original jewels.

The Strickland Brooch (British Museum) (11.2cm)

Brooches were usually made with gold, silver, garnet, niello, glass, and shell.

The Ixworth Cross: a 7th century jewel made from gold, glass and garnet. Shown actual size (5cm).

This is one of the easier items for children to copy in the morning. The copy children make is 10cm and made from gold card, red vinyl and gold Sharpie pen (see below).

Click here to see more photos of the jewellery
 

The Fuller Brooch (British Museum)

Belt buckle from Sutton Hoo