The company behind Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre will be building an archetypal Saxon house and recreating a little piece of Anglo-Saxon life in Witney.
It will be the centrepiece of a fun-filled Saxon Open Day with themed activities, music and re-enactments at Cogges Manor Farm.
The earliest known owner of Cogges dates back to the Saxon period, Wadard, who was recorded as Lord of the Manor of Cogges in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The community project, paid for by the National Lottery Heritage fund, will provide a learning space for schools and an event venue with a difference.
Paul Evans, Chair of Cogges Heritage Trust said: “We’re aiming to provide opportunities for local people to engage with every aspect of the Saxon House project including initial research, assisting with construction and interpreting the project on site.”
Specialist builders McCurdy & Co will be offering taster sessions in peg-making and erecting a quarter-scale timber frame model as well as sharing other traditional building skills.
Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts, costumes and creating a Saxon garden.
According to an Archaeological Evaluation on behalf of Oxfordshire County Museum, excavations beneath Cogges Manor House discovered a sunken-featured building of early Anglo-Saxon date. Anglo-Saxon pottery has also been found in the orchard.
The Saxon House launch event is from 10am – 3pm on Saturday March 12. The farm is open from 9.30am – 4.30pm. To find out more about volunteering, email volunteering@cogges.org.uk
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