A team of experts from the York Museums Trust and the University of York, along with specialists in ancient technology and archaeology, are set to build a Mesolithic house in York Museum Gardens this summer. This project will allow visitors to see what it was like to live in a house over 11,000 years ago!
The build will start on Wednesday, August 7th, using evidence from the world-famous prehistoric archaeological site at Star Carr in Yorkshire, known for the discovery of one of the oldest known houses in Britain. The reconstruction will use techniques and materials such as stone tools and plant materials that would have been used 11,000 years ago. Funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting this project.
The house build complements the exhibition inside the Yorkshire Museum titled Life After the Ice, where visitors can learn more about the Star Carr site and see real-life tools, objects, and ritual artefacts found there. The house will be completed by Sunday, August 11th, and will remain in place until Sunday, September 1st.
From August 7-11, the University of York will host associated activities, including hands-on opportunities, daily short talks, and on-site demonstrations from some of the team who excavated Star Carr. Visitors will have the chance to handle replica objects used in daily Mesolithic activities and learn more about the people who lived at Star Carr.
Dr. Adam Parker, curator of Archaeology at York Museums Trust, said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity to experience a Mesolithic build, using evidence-based information such as the tools and resources, much of which we are showing in the Museum. It’s a chance to get to know and understand a relatively unknown period of history in a fun and open way for all ages.”
Professor Nicky Milner, Head of Archaeology at the University of York, added: “We are really excited to be working with experts in the Museum Gardens to replicate the earliest known structures in Britain. It is a rare opportunity to really demonstrate the immense skill and ingenuity of Mesolithic people. We hope it will transport visitors back to life in North Yorkshire over 11,000 years ago!”
Visit the Yorkshire Museum website here for more information.
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Feature Image Credit: Star Carr Project
