Britain's Ancient Past: Reconstructing a Mesolithic House at the Yorkshire Museum

Discover the oldest house in Britain with a Mesolithic reconstruction at the Yorkshire Museum. This summer, York’s Museum Gardens is offering visitors a unique chance to travel back in time by witnessing the construction of a Mesolithic house.

Using ancient techniques and materials, experts from the York Museums Trust and the University of York are recreating a dwelling based on archaeological findings from the renowned Star Carr site in Yorkshire.

Bringing Mesolithic Life to York

Construction began on 7 August 2024, involving a collaborative effort between the York Museums Trust, the University of York, and specialists in ancient technology and archaeology. The project aims to bring to life a structure similar to what Britain’s earliest inhabitants would have built over 11,000 years ago.

The house being built in the Museum Gardens is based on the "oldest house in Britain," discovered at Star Carr, a site famous for its exceptional preservation of organic materials. The techniques employed in the construction include the use of stone tools and plant-based materials, closely mimicking those used by Mesolithic people.

The Vision Behind the Project

Professor Nicky Milner, Head of Archaeology at the University of York, and Dr Jess Bates, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, are leading the project alongside experts Diederik Pomstra and Leo Wolterbeek. The York Museums Trust's Dr Adam Parker also plays a pivotal role in the initiative. This project has been made possible by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, which provided the necessary funding to recreate a slice of prehistory in the middle of York.

Educational and Interactive Experiences

Visitors to the Yorkshire Museum will not only see the house taking shape but will also have the opportunity to engage with the construction process.

Dr Adam Parker emphasizes the importance of this hands-on experience, stating that it offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of Mesolithic people. The museum's exhibition, "Life After the Ice," complements the build by showcasing artefacts and tools uncovered at Star Carr, providing further context and understanding of this little-known period of history.

Engaging the Community

The project is designed to be highly interactive, with visitors encouraged to participate in various activities related to the construction. From making matting and twine to handling replica objects, the event offers a comprehensive experience of Mesolithic life. The house will be completed by 11 August, but the structure will remain in place until 1 September, giving visitors ample time to explore.

Upcoming Events and Activities

Throughout the summer, the Museum Gardens will host a series of events to engage visitors of all ages:

• Creative Family Wednesdays: Star Carr Special!: On 14, 21, and 28 August, drop-in creative workshops will be held in the Museum Gardens, allowing families to get hands-on with activities inspired by the Star Carr exhibition.
• Star Carr Storytelling: Thursdays (15, 22, and 29 August) will feature immersive storytelling sessions by Hoglet’s Theatre Company, bringing the prehistoric world to life.
• Star Carr Skills Weekend: On 17 and 18 August, expert Chris Woodland will lead workshops on Mesolithic craftsmanship, teaching participants how to create items like twine from nettles and decorative pendants from shale.
• Into Wilderness Bushcraft Adventures: From 30 August to 1 September, attendees can learn survival skills from an Aboriginal bushcraft perspective, gaining insights into the lives of Mesolithic people.

Exploring Star Carr

The exhibition inside the Yorkshire Museum, "Star Carr: Life After the Ice," delves deeper into the lives of Mesolithic people. It showcases the tools, objects, and ritual artefacts that were an integral part of daily life at Star Carr, including iconic items like antler headdresses, hunting bows, and Europe's earliest evidence of carpentry.

Visiting Information

The Yorkshire Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with tickets priced at £9.50 for adults and £4.75 for children. While admission to the Museum Gardens and the Mesolithic house build is free, visitors can purchase tickets for the museum to explore the full exhibition. The museum's offerings provide a fascinating insight into one of Britain's most significant archaeological sites, making it a must-visit destination this summer.

For more details on the events, visit Yorkshire Museum’s website.