Unique reconstruction of traditional Anglo-Saxon hall house officially opened at Butser Ancient Farm

The News (Portsmouth UK) ^ | Tuesday, 5th April 2022 | Steve Deeks

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The house at Butser Ancient Farm, based on archaeological remains from Chalton, has taken nearly four years to complete after work started in 2018.

Now thanks to the hard work of volunteers and staff, under the expert leadership of Darren Hammerton, the ancient house has now thrown open its doors – with Time Team’s Dr Harding present to mark the occasion.

All timber used in the construction came from within a 10-mile radius of Butser Ancient Farm, with a combination of English oak, sweet chestnut and hazel used in the construction. The roof was thatched with water reeds.

The settlement at Church Down was significant archaeologically with it revealing evidence of large and sophisticated buildings at a time when many thought Anglo-Saxons lived in simple small pit houses called Grubenhäuser.

Experimental archaeologist Trevor Creighton, from Butser Ancient Farm, said: ‘We’re really excited to have opened our second Anglo Saxon building.

‘The first Anglo Saxon building was finished in March 2016, while we started work for our second in 2018. They are both based on the foundations of two houses, dated to around 700 AD, uncovered during excavations during the 1970s.

‘Archaeologists revealed evidence of 61 structures, numerous fences and other features, as well as the remains of animal bones, cereals, metal work and a few small objects, including spear and arrow tips and decorative objects. Rather wonderfully, you can see the site of the excavation from the front doors of the houses constructed at Butser.’

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Cool. They do it right, as far as possible in modern times.