tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70618052546883531092024-03-13T10:34:56.552+00:00Iron Shepherds Living History BlogCreating educational, entertaining and memorable experiences through living history!
This blog charts our work and also has specially written educational articles for your reading pleasure.Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-63065321336512999552017-11-08T17:30:00.000+00:002017-11-08T17:30:08.974+00:00NEW BLOG: Addiction, prescriptions and deaths, drugs and the Victorians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwn2fW6KKUo/WgMCKATtXUI/AAAAAAAAB9s/iy4JIb6rcswIBTjs-KZDNT_raNG2LYtwwCLcBGAs/s1600/header_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="500" height="244" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwn2fW6KKUo/WgMCKATtXUI/AAAAAAAAB9s/iy4JIb6rcswIBTjs-KZDNT_raNG2LYtwwCLcBGAs/s640/header_small.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Our brand new blog post takes a look at drugs in Victorian Britain.</h3>
Discover how common place drugs were at the time and how even children were given very strong narcotics in medicine!<br />
<br />
<b>Check out the post here - <a href="http://ironshepherdslivinghistory.co.uk/blog/posts/2017/drugs-in-victorian-britain/">ironshepherdslivinghistory.co.uk/blog/posts/2017/drugs-in-victorian-britain</a></b>Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-42367202514616234932017-11-06T16:00:00.001+00:002017-11-06T16:28:59.542+00:00NEW BLOG: Ten Weird Things the Victorians Did<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EimTvzRqS30/WgCDi0Dd1WI/AAAAAAAAB9c/M1lidCxHAKIpr14tqCserXHbg7Zd96bJgCLcBGAs/s1600/header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EimTvzRqS30/WgCDi0Dd1WI/AAAAAAAAB9c/M1lidCxHAKIpr14tqCserXHbg7Zd96bJgCLcBGAs/s400/header.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our brand new blog post takes a look at ten weird things the Victorians did.</span><br />
<br />
From body snatching to hosting mummy unwrapping parties they really could be an odd bunch!<br />
<br />
<b>Check out the post here - <a href="http://ironshepherdslivinghistory.co.uk/blog/posts/2017/ten-weird-things-the-victorians-did/">ironshepherdslivinghistory.co.uk/blog/posts/2017/ten-weird-things-the-victorians-did/</a></b>Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-56848664775441731282017-03-06T17:42:00.000+00:002017-03-06T17:42:07.653+00:00BRAND NEW EVENT: PEASANTS' LIFE at AYDON CASTLE<b>9th April 2017, 10am - 5pm.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Discover what life for peasants living in Northumberland was like in medieval times at this brand new event!<br />
<br />
Wander our living history camp within the walls of the castle, immerse yourself in the sights and smells of medieval life and enjoy our varied displays from weapons display to mummers play.<br />
<br />
This event is brought to you by Iron Shepherds Living History with the support of English Heritage.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="304" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E4o8JqAHQVA?rel=0&showinfo=0" width="540"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>PEASANTS' LIFE at AYDON CASTLE, near Corbridge.</b><br />
<b>9th April 2017, 10am - 5pm.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbZpPG7Ivrs/WL1hyVXcd8I/AAAAAAAAB74/aseG9OKTCDUnP2p5aVM7iqKCzE1k-7siwCLcB/s1600/Aydon%2BCastle%2BPoster%2B04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbZpPG7Ivrs/WL1hyVXcd8I/AAAAAAAAB74/aseG9OKTCDUnP2p5aVM7iqKCzE1k-7siwCLcB/s640/Aydon%2BCastle%2BPoster%2B04.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
<br />Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0Corbridge NE45 5PJ, UK54.992033199999987 -1.999860200000057435.791693699999989 -43.308454200000057 74.192372699999993 39.308733799999942tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-74787603133912716842016-12-13T10:00:00.000+00:002016-12-13T10:00:13.890+00:00How to have a Victorian Christmas<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christmas. What a wonderful time of the year! So many heartwarming traditions we all revel in and enjoy. But did you know that many of these traditions started in the Victorian era here in Britain?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ozkvxic2Ng/WE6ej-AXOvI/AAAAAAAAB38/M9M2wJTvR4E3_HLif4gRc9_Cdkxkn-QjgCLcB/s1600/Happy%2BVictorian%2BChap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ozkvxic2Ng/WE6ej-AXOvI/AAAAAAAAB38/M9M2wJTvR4E3_HLif4gRc9_Cdkxkn-QjgCLcB/s200/Happy%2BVictorian%2BChap.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
Before the Victorian period Christmas was rarely celebrated. The traditions of celebrating the mid winter and the coming of spring had faded and this time of year was nothing particularly special. There were celebrations around the new year to rejoice in the coming of another year and to reflect on the passing of the proceeding year. But Christmas wasn't a thing. That of course was all set to change.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the industrial revolution creating wealth and happiness across the country the rich were pressured to share their wealth and happiness. People started to celebrate Christmas more, they stated to give gifts and books like Charles Dickens 'A Christmas Carol' were produced giving new vigor to the holiday.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Soon Christmas was popular across the land and each year around the 25th December peoples homes would be transformed and happiness was spread across our fair isle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What follows are just some ways in which you could inject a little Victorian flavour into your Christmas:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. Pop up an Indoor Christmas Tree</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3MRnfAuRWcY/WEwLTxD3u-I/AAAAAAAAB3s/y-wg4lI_P4ksRJYenV3UFX2RlToUNbtAwCLcB/s1600/Christmas%2BTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3MRnfAuRWcY/WEwLTxD3u-I/AAAAAAAAB3s/y-wg4lI_P4ksRJYenV3UFX2RlToUNbtAwCLcB/s320/Christmas%2BTree.jpg" width="185" /></a>A staple of any modern Christmas has to be the tree, erected inside and decorated with a variety of items but that didn't come about until the Victorian era.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Before the 1800's no-one brought trees into the home although they were important symbols. Outside trees were often decorated with apples, especially by the church, but no-one ever thought to bring a tree inside. That all changed in the 1840's. Queen Victoria's husband, Albert, brought a tree to Windsor Castle in this time, something which was popular in his native Germany. This brought the idea to the attention of the nation and soon the Christmas Tree started to gain popularity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the time the trees would be decorated with ribbon, shortbread biscuits, paper cones (for treats), oranges pierced with cloves and of course candles for light. The trees would have looked stunning and would have created a focal point for any room in the festive season.</div>
<br />
<b>2. Crack a Cracker</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We've all popped a cracker haven't we? Well if it wasn't for the Victorians we wouldn't have crackers!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A sweet maker from London called Tom Smith invented the cracker in 1846 following a trip to Paris. He came up with the idea of wrapping his sweets in a twist of paper, this was the humble beginning of the Christmas cracker.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the period it developed and by the close of the era they resembled the cracker we know today. The crack or snap now synonymous with the cracker was added as were the paper hats and treats. </div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>3. Bring Some Nature into the Home</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNby4szRSSI/WEqzQTON1HI/AAAAAAAAB3c/znzJvkHHcT8p-QRrIrWhiL11yJ-jIlxtwCLcB/s1600/Holly%2BReath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNby4szRSSI/WEqzQTON1HI/AAAAAAAAB3c/znzJvkHHcT8p-QRrIrWhiL11yJ-jIlxtwCLcB/s200/Holly%2BReath.jpg" width="200" /></a>During the Victorian period people were fond of decorating their homes but instead of tinsel, baubles and fairy lights, like today, they would use nature as their decoration. Holly and ivy were popular plants to bring inside the home to provide some colour and decoration.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Holly with berries would be sought after as the bold red of the berries against the green of the leaves would create a warming Christmas feel. Ivy could also be colourful with a variety of different colours from greens to yellows. Another brilliant addition to the decorations!</div>
<br />
<b>4. Give Presents</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The giving of gifts has a long history and at the start of the Victorian age gifts were generally given to celebrate the passing of a new year. As time went on though and Christmas became more prominent and popular as a celebration the giving of gifts was moved to Christmas day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Children were especially showered with gifts, a way of rewarding them for good behaviour. Rich families would spoil their children with special, and expensive, handmade toys. The poor on the other hand generally would give their children stockings filled with fruit and nuts, still a rare treat. The tradition of giving both toys and stockings at Christmas stuck and it is common place today.</div>
<br />
<b>5. Send Weird Christmas Cards!</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was during the Victorian period that the tradition of sending friends and loved ones a card at Christmas became popular. What is better than sending a heartwarming gesture of love and friendship during the festive season, a token to show that you are thinking of the recipient at this joyous time. Of course it wasn't quite like how it is today!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No, instead many Victorian Christmas cards were well and truly weird! Take these fine examples for instance:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MVrY4oRtUo/WEgM7F3pebI/AAAAAAAAB20/MCKXPWLRFP45tap_55tcPlrqqBJPPwqlACLcB/s1600/Victorian%2BChristmas%2BCards%252C%2BWeird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MVrY4oRtUo/WEgM7F3pebI/AAAAAAAAB20/MCKXPWLRFP45tap_55tcPlrqqBJPPwqlACLcB/s400/Victorian%2BChristmas%2BCards%252C%2BWeird.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lovely hey? There certainly seems to be a fascination with death in many of these type of cards and a fascination with frogs and other rather un-christmassy animals. Who knows why!? They also quite liked to have cards featuring strange root vegetables adorned with either human clothes or with human appendages. What doesn't say Christmas more than a root vegetable? The Victorians are often renowned for their dark humor and these cards are a great example of this.<br />
<br />
They are somewhat playful and fun but also, sort of, hold sentiment. For instance the dead robin card (pictured above) does have the text "May yours be a joyful Christmas" which suggests the sender wishes the recipient to have a better Christmas than the poor dead bird. Well, one hopes anyway!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's not all weird in the world of Victorian cards though, there were also many more traditional and beautiful cards that anyone would be happy to send:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JEvwA7nj5l0/WEgLKFArLBI/AAAAAAAAB2s/8q7dK_YV8WMqvk6nItA0JN5NCibp0Gf7wCLcB/s1600/Victorian%2BChristmas%2BCards%252C%2BNice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JEvwA7nj5l0/WEgLKFArLBI/AAAAAAAAB2s/8q7dK_YV8WMqvk6nItA0JN5NCibp0Gf7wCLcB/s400/Victorian%2BChristmas%2BCards%252C%2BNice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first Christmas card was sent in 1843 and the tradition became a popular one and we, as you know, still send cards today in large quantities.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<b>6. Celebrate Boxing Day</b></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ah boxing day, another day with Victorian roots. Ever wondered why it is called that? What has boxing got to do with Christmas?? Well in the Victorian period the day after boxing day was the time that servants would open their 'boxes' of gifts. Boxes usually given to them by their employers. The day was a chance for them to relax a little and celebrate, something they couldn't do on Christmas day itself as they would have been working.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the years went on the day became known as Boxing Day but eventually the idea of servants opening gift boxes waned as less and less households required servants and more people got to celebrate Christmas on the day.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Christmas truly is a magical time of the year and we really do have the Victorians to thank for many of our traditions and for even having Christmas as we know it! </b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<hr />
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://ironshepherdslivinghistory.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/how-to-have-medieval-christmas.html" target="_blank"><b>Enjoyed this post? You might also enjoy our 'How to have a Medieval Christmas' post here.</b></a></div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-49286879637251048672016-11-29T13:38:00.000+00:002016-11-29T13:38:44.193+00:00The Victorian Mannequin ChallengeDuring the Dickensian Festival in Ulverston this past weekend we had a authentic Victorian yard set up. Because we had this unique setting we thought it might be fun to film a Mannequin Challenge. So we did and this is the result:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j5A09Ipvm6o?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
We hope you enjoyed it and please do share with others!<br />
<br />Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0Lower Brook St, Ulverston LA12, UK54.1962498 -3.095294999999964654.195088799999994 -3.0978164999999644 54.1974108 -3.0927734999999648tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-31331016581263596852016-11-24T13:08:00.001+00:002016-11-24T13:12:59.740+00:00Iron Shepherds Turns Four!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another year goes by for us here at Iron Shepherds and what a year it has been! From our very own living history festival to old favourites it has been a jam packed year full of fun and excitement.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Winter, as it tends to be, was a quiet one. We had no events to attend but we did spend the time planning for our coming season and one of the big things we had planned was a brand new living history festival called <a href="http://lifeinthepast.co.uk/" target="_blank">Life in the Past</a>. We had the idea of creating a series of events and talks which would cover different periods of local history but be held under the umbrella of a larger festival and we set about making it happen.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We soon managed to organise 6 living history events and 3 fascinating talks by archaeologists and specialists including one by a lecturer at Cambridge University. It was soon time to start the festival, which we did come May...</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">May 2016</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<h3>
<b>Monks Life | Life in the Past Festival</b></h3>
<b>08.05.16</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDjGZOpCx8Y/WCsOS9e3rnI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/gGorKSRAZ0EAdFI0nwVmYtMYLfXIg6ZygCLcB/s1600/Monks%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDjGZOpCx8Y/WCsOS9e3rnI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/gGorKSRAZ0EAdFI0nwVmYtMYLfXIg6ZygCLcB/s320/Monks%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a>This was the first in our Life in the Past series of events and it was a return to one of our old favourites: Monks Life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We set up our display inside the cloister of Furness Abbey where us monks would be based all day discussing our daily life. We also had two visiting nuns on site over in the cemetery gate house, women were seldom allowed into the main Abbey complex in the time of the monks so our nuns had to keep their distance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Brother Bertram also took two tours of the monastic site to give visitors a better understanding of the abbey and the lives the monks led.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a lovely day and a fantastic start to our Life in the Past Festival.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>At the start of the festival, and throughout, we created several videos to introduce and showcase the events. You can watch all these videos here: </b></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLfmjuUJ2XeqaZr2Rn7_4R4V5fHWljqPFM" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Prehistoric communities and the changing face of the Furness Peninsula</b> | Life in the Past Festival</h3>
<b>10.05.16</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcWcveY2gvE/WCsOTNEri2I/AAAAAAAAB1c/42pogkBNFDcpCr2JfWJz7zvZSihR7sNpACEw/s1600/Talk%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcWcveY2gvE/WCsOTNEri2I/AAAAAAAAB1c/42pogkBNFDcpCr2JfWJz7zvZSihR7sNpACEw/s200/Talk%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a>As part of Life in the Past we held several talks by local archaeologists and experts and this was the first one by Dr. Craig Appley all about Prehistoric Furness. It was an excellent talk which really brought to life what the area must have looked like at the time.</div>
<br />
There were many folk in the audience who all enjoyed the talk and Craig's delivery.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Medieval Law and Order | Life in the Past Festival</h3>
<div>
<b>21.05.16</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CCYaes3JFI/WCsOS9S0zkI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/FonM5CtL43ImQ_IOv7hDVKRgkJnTsgnRgCEw/s1600/Law%2Band%2BOrder1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CCYaes3JFI/WCsOS9S0zkI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/FonM5CtL43ImQ_IOv7hDVKRgkJnTsgnRgCEw/s320/Law%2Band%2BOrder1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The second in our festival event series took place at Dalton Castle and delved into Medieval Law and Order in Furness. We created part of a court room set in the top room of the castle where our law breaker, held in the dungeon, would be put on trial throughout the day. We also had a few crafts on display to show how the locals were living in the 14th Century.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The trials were the highlight of the day giving visitors an idea of how a medieval trial might take place and for what crimes they might be undertaken. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the trials and we were really pleased with it.</div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>June 2016</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<h3>
Holker Garden Festival</h3>
<div>
<b>03-04.06.16</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQgs3VGIIXQ/WCsOS5cRo4I/AAAAAAAAB1M/mcji9Eef-CoN8_GU6UypVwraXXgf3NFJwCEw/s1600/Holker%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQgs3VGIIXQ/WCsOS5cRo4I/AAAAAAAAB1M/mcji9Eef-CoN8_GU6UypVwraXXgf3NFJwCEw/s200/Holker%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
English Heritage invited us once again to set up alongside them at the Holker Garden Festival. This was our third year of attending the festival and as with every year it was lovely! It was super warm in the big tent but we enjoyed chatting to people, promoting our coming events and displaying some crafts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We were saddened to hear later in the year that this turned out to be the last ever Holker Garden Festival as they have decided to bring it to an end after 24 years. Sad news for all.</div>
<br />
<h3>
Tudor Dissolver | Life in the Past Festival</h3>
<div>
<b>05.06.16</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-oE7Um_4BE/WCsOTR980zI/AAAAAAAAB1o/ZuMMcmyWhiQ1nZg2xBpQFGDOPy0LGBs3ACEw/s1600/Tudor%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-oE7Um_4BE/WCsOTR980zI/AAAAAAAAB1o/ZuMMcmyWhiQ1nZg2xBpQFGDOPy0LGBs3ACEw/s320/Tudor%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Time for another Life in the Past event, this time we changed it up a bit and went Tudor! This event took place at Furness Abbey and took a closer look at the Dissolution of the Monasteries.<br />
<br />
We had a small set up in front of the great church at the abbey where we spoke with people throughout the day and also displayed pewter melting and casting to illustrate the melting of the lead roofs of the abbey.<br />
<br />
A lovely, hot, day which went really well!<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
The Development of Medieval Ulverston | Life in the Past Festival</h3>
<div>
<b>14.06.16</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FI0fRPrYAYc/WCsOTOlPbaI/AAAAAAAAB18/p-KkFRoc1Ek_MSBRn8adDhkNEfGyhr1RACPcB/s1600/Talk%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FI0fRPrYAYc/WCsOTOlPbaI/AAAAAAAAB18/p-KkFRoc1Ek_MSBRn8adDhkNEfGyhr1RACPcB/s200/Talk%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another fantastic Life in the Past talk, this time by Daniel Elsworth of Greenlane Archaeology. Dan spoke about the Medieval period in Ulverston from the finds that have been found, although few in number, to the place names of the town. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
It was another successful talk with many showing up to watch and listen.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Family Fun Day at Gleaston </h3>
<div>
<b>25.06.16</b></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-adB3uBzAp-A/WCsOSk9s7_I/AAAAAAAAB18/60mT7bFLMPgVqm3DmCmmdTRSvhpVdaj9ACPcB/s1600/Gleaston%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-adB3uBzAp-A/WCsOSk9s7_I/AAAAAAAAB18/60mT7bFLMPgVqm3DmCmmdTRSvhpVdaj9ACPcB/s320/Gleaston%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
June came and it was that time of year again, time for the Family Fun Day at Gleaston. This was our third time at this lovely event. We set up our Norman camp, displayed crafts and spoke to visitors. It was, as always, a most pleasant day thoroughly enjoyed by all of us. We will be returning to this event again next year so do come along on the <b>24th June</b> 2017.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">July 2016</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Victorian Fun & Games</h3>
<div>
<b>03.07.16</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUxTYYChVZw/WDRH3lDShYI/AAAAAAAAB2E/WLgILuRdU04GYwWHLmdaVrrVOfULMZbrgCLcB/s1600/Victorian%2BFun%2B%2526%2BGames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUxTYYChVZw/WDRH3lDShYI/AAAAAAAAB2E/WLgILuRdU04GYwWHLmdaVrrVOfULMZbrgCLcB/s320/Victorian%2BFun%2B%2526%2BGames.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once again a brand new event for 2016 created by us for our Life in the Past Festival! This time delving into Victorian Furness and the fun and games of the time.<br />
<br />
Furness Abbey was our backdrop where we set up numerous tents, lots of bunting and many many exciting games and toys. Families came out in their droves to enjoy the entertainment from the games to the tours to the singing of the Furness Nightingale, a family singing group who are part of the Iron Shepherds.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The day was a huge success and we were are very pleased to say we will be returning to Furness Abbey next year for another day of Victorian Fun & Games on <b>23rd July</b>! Do come along to experience a truly Victorian day out!<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<h3>
Sea-Kings and Saints: the Furness Peninsula in the Viking Age | Life in the Past Festival</h3>
<div>
<b>12.07.16</b></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8bQ1VmALvY/WCsOTODqouI/AAAAAAAAB18/FDwDjjAXsGITev1qTfN1P5MNpQ592GMjwCPcB/s1600/Talk%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8bQ1VmALvY/WCsOTODqouI/AAAAAAAAB18/FDwDjjAXsGITev1qTfN1P5MNpQ592GMjwCPcB/s200/Talk%2B3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The final of our Life in the Past talks and a fine end it was too! Dr. Fiona Edmonds of University of Cambridge came up to lecture on the Furness Peninsula in the Viking Age. The talk took place at the Forum in Barrow and the room was packed with people all excited to hear what Fiona had to say. The talk was wonderful and was greatly received by all attending.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Victorian Social History | Life in the Past Festival</h3>
</div>
<div>
<b>23.07.16</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zZL3Do-1kE/WCsOTeLOo5I/AAAAAAAAB18/9RyAJV6oc10wMmnZHValEKLpG9dhjnrRgCPcB/s1600/Victorian%2BSocial%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zZL3Do-1kE/WCsOTeLOo5I/AAAAAAAAB18/9RyAJV6oc10wMmnZHValEKLpG9dhjnrRgCPcB/s320/Victorian%2BSocial%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another chance to showcase our Victorian living history at another Life in the Past Festival event; Victorian Social History! This time we were at the Dock Museum in Barrow, a new location for us as far as events go, and a brilliant day was had by all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We were based inside the museum in the main dock hall where we had crafts from the Victorian era on display as well as a few games to play alongside singing from the Furness Nightingales. The idea of this display was to give an idea of the lives and jobs of the varying social classes living in the local area. It was a great, if very warm, day which was a huge success!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">August 2016</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
1920's Workmen | Life in the Past Festival</h3>
<div>
<b>07.08.16</b></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OrZlnQsH7F4/WCsOSdge85I/AAAAAAAAB2A/dGqRlQfqJd4rcKl5IOYj3u2Asa6j9ZkYwCPcB/s1600/1920s%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OrZlnQsH7F4/WCsOSdge85I/AAAAAAAAB2A/dGqRlQfqJd4rcKl5IOYj3u2Asa6j9ZkYwCPcB/s320/1920s%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Ah, 1920's workmen! This was certainly a different event for us but a fantastic one! As part of the Life in the Past Festival we had decided to showcase the incredible work undertaken in the late 1920s by local men to underpin and stabilise large parts of Furness Abbey.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have always been hugely impressed and inspired by the work done by those every day working men and were keen to share their achievements to others. To do this we dressed in period costume, set up shop in the old ticket office inside the ruins of the abbey and performed 3 tours throughout the day. These tours specifically looked at the work undertaken and showed areas of the site where evidence of their work can be seen, or in many cases can't be seen! We had great responses from this event and were so pleased to have put it on.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<hr />
<b><br /></b>
<b>This event was also special for us as it was the final part of our Life in the Past Festival. The whole festival, from inception to completion, was a huge undertaking. There was so much organisation, promotion and creation required. It took a lot of time for us all and when it came to an end we were all so immensely proud and pleased. It had been a success and that was all we ever wished. We hope that anyone who attended any of our events or talks enjoyed them and learnt something from them.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The<a href="http://lifeinthepast.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Life in the Past Festival</a> will return in 2018!</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<hr />
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">September 2016</span></b><br />
<br />
<h3>
Medieval Fair at Furness Abbey</h3>
</div>
<div>
<b>03.09.16</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back to our normal event schedule and it was time for the annual Medieval Fair at Furness Abbey.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1u7IFHi20Ls/WCsOS-E0YvI/AAAAAAAAB18/YjzTkR8MxbEx5MuiF2TbDI7fQe08m-j3ACPcB/s1600/Medieval%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1u7IFHi20Ls/WCsOS-E0YvI/AAAAAAAAB18/YjzTkR8MxbEx5MuiF2TbDI7fQe08m-j3ACPcB/s320/Medieval%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a>We had worked on a new camp layout and site along with a new Norman invasion weapons display ahead of the event. Friday came and it was time to set up. All was looking great, the camp was the best it has ever looked and we were stoked for the event the next day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Saturday came and the heavens opened! Heavy rain poured all day long. From about 10 minutes into the event we were already soaked to the skin. As is only right we carried on as usual, or at least as best we could.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bertram tried to perform on his pole lathe but got absolutely soaked and eventually had to seek shelter. Our Furness Nightingales tried their best to perform from inside one of our large tents and Matilda endeavoured to cook on the open fire while the rain water filled up the stew. It was a real shame. Members of the public didn't want to stop for long and by the time mid afternoon arrived the decision was taken to bring the event to a close. Something or a relief for many of us! It wasn't the most ideal day but hopefully next time it will be fine and sunny...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>October 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<h3>
Appley Day</h3>
<div>
<b>01.10.16</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kvZ4UnZauI/WCsOSRPup4I/AAAAAAAAB18/j-y06sOFcfc95wv7Do5lw3fxd2R5DKKhACPcB/s1600/Apple%2BDay%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kvZ4UnZauI/WCsOSRPup4I/AAAAAAAAB18/j-y06sOFcfc95wv7Do5lw3fxd2R5DKKhACPcB/s320/Apple%2BDay%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A lovely Norman event to end the year, Apple Day. We attended the Apple Day in Ulverston last year and really enjoyed it, so were delighted when we were invited back this year. We set up our Norman camp and displayed our crafts throughout the day. There was music from Aelswyth, cooking from Matilda and even a spot of bread making!<br />
<br />
It was a cool but a nice day too. There were many visitors and we had many lovely chats.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That was it for our fourth year, and what a successful, enjoyable and interesting year it was! But, as they say, no rest for the wicked! We had a Victorian Yard to organise for the Dickensian Festival in Ulverston...<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, and also we updated our website during 2016, take a look here - <a href="http://ironshepherdslivinghistory.co.uk/">http://ironshepherdslivinghistory.co.uk/</a></div>
</div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-1718305361321178472016-10-14T10:00:00.000+01:002016-10-14T10:00:00.200+01:001066, the Year of the Normans: NORMANS IN FURNESS<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following the invasion by the Normans in 1066 Furness and what is now South Cumbria was left pretty much alone, free of Norman influence with little rule and a mix of varying cultures.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The area had many Norse men (people of Viking descent), Celts and Saxons which provided an eclectic mix of cultures which must have made the area pretty unique. There was little to no Norman influence in the early years after 1066, the Domesday book of 1086 lists Earl Tostig as the lord of the area but this was not true as we know that Tostig was killed in September of 1066 at the battle of Stamford bridge in Yorkshire, just before the Norman invasion. This strongly suggests that the accounts of the Furness area in the Domesday book was actually a copy of an early, similar, document. This also shows how little the Normans had to do with the area, so little that they had no one to undertake the survey in the area and no one who could be bothered, or could face, travelling to the peninsula. At the time the area was known as the Manor of Hougun, Hougun is believed to derive from the Old Norse word haugr meaning hill or mound.<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "timesnewromanpsmt" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was not until the early 12th Century, around 1107, that Furness gained its first Norman lord!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4oKGBWZZqNw/V5ExEs4H-bI/AAAAAAAAByQ/QHPqoP4oqisBkUn-seWBP9J4A8vERy8NQCLcB/s1600/Aldingham%2BMotte%2B%2526%2BBailey%2B-%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4oKGBWZZqNw/V5ExEs4H-bI/AAAAAAAAByQ/QHPqoP4oqisBkUn-seWBP9J4A8vERy8NQCLcB/s320/Aldingham%2BMotte%2B%2526%2BBailey%2B-%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving.jpg" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What remains of the the Norman Motte and Bailey at Aldingham (courtesy of Furness Hidden Heritage)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Michael Le Fleming, a Norman lord, was granted the lands lying eastward of Abbey Beck and southwards of the moors of Birkrigg and Swarthmoor by the then King, Henry I. This land became the Manor of Aldingham. Between 1107 and 1111 Michael set about building a brand new Motte and Bailey castle. Something the area had never seen. With this new castle Michael could then rule over Aldingham and start to bring some Norman law into the peninsula. (<em>Find out more about this motte and bailey caste over at </em><a href="http://furnesshiddenheritage.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><em>Furness Hidden Heritage</em></a><em> with their blog post </em><a href="http://furnesshiddenheritage.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/a-motte-without-bailey-and-manor.html" target="_blank"><em>A Motte Without a Bailey and a Manor Without a Town</em></a>) The rest of the "forest of Furness and Walney" was given by King Henry I to his nephew Stephen, Count of Boulogne and Mortain (later King of England). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some 20 years after Michael Le Fleming moving to the area another, greater, Norman influence was set to arrive, an abbey!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAdKkNdm38o/V5EwJ2USy3I/AAAAAAAAByI/-1kDpchUzz4D8myZeH6U4q7oyrjGbR_AACLcB/s1600/Furness%2BAbbey%2B2%2B-%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAdKkNdm38o/V5EwJ2USy3I/AAAAAAAAByI/-1kDpchUzz4D8myZeH6U4q7oyrjGbR_AACLcB/s320/Furness%2BAbbey%2B2%2B-%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving.jpg" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ruins of Furness Abbey in the mist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In 1123 some monks from the Order of Savigny, a French Catholic order, were granted lands at Tulceth near Preston. For some, unknown, reason the monks did not stay here for long, never really setting up a monastery as in 1127 they were granted land in the valley of Beckansgill in Furness by Stephen, Count of Boulogne. At this point the monks moved swiftly to their new lands and set about building a large, decorative, abbey in the valley floor. It is most likely that the reason for the move here was to bring another Norman influence to the peninsula and in turn bring further Norman rule. The lands of Furness needed to be controlled and needed to be brought in line with the Norman way or it could easily become a rebellious, rogue state.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69V7GrWcGFw/VyhWpD38bCI/AAAAAAAABp8/lA2F9Yvib2IwtqgtK9RpKO5EFjGFfstTACPcB/s1600/Lay%2BBrother%2BLooks%2Bto%2BAbbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69V7GrWcGFw/VyhWpD38bCI/AAAAAAAABp8/lA2F9Yvib2IwtqgtK9RpKO5EFjGFfstTACPcB/s320/Lay%2BBrother%2BLooks%2Bto%2BAbbey.jpg" width="320" /></a>The new abbey soon started to take hold. They owned much of the land near by so allowed the locals to farm it for a tithe, a small part of the produce, and they gained strong links with the community, especially at Dalton, the largest town in the area at the time and the only one that had continued to farm following the Harrying of the North. The Abbots of Furness became the lords of Dalton and ruled over it. The abbey also gained strong links with the Isle of Man and the strong Norse culture which lived there. In 1134 the King of Man, Olaf I, granted the abbey the right to appoint the Bishop of the Isles. A rare and remarkable privilege!<br />
<br />
It was later in 1147 that the Cistercian order of monks took over at Furness Abbey and they took it on to become the second richest Cistercain house in the country! <br />
<br />
It is worth noting that during the Norman period of history Furness was not always part of England!<br />
<br />
In 1136 Stephen, now King of England, gave the entirety of Cumberland including Furness to Scotland. This was no-doubt a consiquence of the civil war between himself and Empress Matilda known as the Anarchy. Stephen giving away Cumberland was probably a way of keeping the Scottish happy and keeping them from making any trouble while the Anarchy was being fought. This didn't mean that the area was now ruled by Scotland though, there was no really rule from either Country. The Scots still raided the area and the English had nothing much to do with it. It also didn't mean that the Norman influence left the area, far from it. The abbey continued to grow in power and wealth and the motte and bailey at Aldingham still stood. Eventually Cumberland would be taken back by England, in 1157, following the end of the Anarchy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1160, just after Furness is reclaimed back by England, Gamel de Pennington, a local lord living in Pennington, founded a hospital at Conishead for the poor of the Ulverston area. Augustinian Monks ran the hospital and lived within it. They also founded a school to help educate local children and later, in 1188, the hospital was raised to the status of a Priory. Another Norman institution in the area again helping to Normanise and educate the local inhabitants.</div>
<br />
These small steps continued to happen across Furness making the area ever more Norman but it is debatable as to whether Furness ever did truly become Norman. The people of the area were certainly not Norman, they remained a mix of different origins and no-doubt had varying belief systems for many centuries.<br />
<br />
Still the Normans had a stronger and stronger presence here and they certainly ruled over the area and tried to bring it under the Norman rule.</div>
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>This year marks the 950th anniversary of the great Norman invasion of England and we at Iron Shepherds have been celebrating with this series of blog posts, a brand new weapons display and several events with our Norman encampment! </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Our main period of interest is the 1140's, a period of time within the Norman rule of Britain. </strong></div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-73658345741135307282016-09-16T10:00:00.000+01:002016-09-19T16:21:48.215+01:001066, the Year of the Normans: THE TAKE OVER<div style="text-align: justify;">
The years that followed the Norman invasion of England in 1066 were, to say the least, turbulent.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
William the Conqueror started his reign as King of England by building a large amount of castles, motte and bailey castles to be precise. These were symbols of power, showing all of England and its people who was the new man in town, the boss, the leader! He also would hit back fast and hard against anyone who threatened him and his right to the crown and most especially any rebellions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One major event which took place early in his reign was the event known as the Harrying of the North.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Wd8E5CtKrY/V9plmf3UCFI/AAAAAAAABzs/WTQUie1rYvwVzTXVFky8DK3htHmsq4RIwCLcB/s1600/Harrying-the-north.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Wd8E5CtKrY/V9plmf3UCFI/AAAAAAAABzs/WTQUie1rYvwVzTXVFky8DK3htHmsq4RIwCLcB/s200/Harrying-the-north.jpg" width="200" /></a>In the winter of 1069–70 William undertook a series of campaigns to subjugate Northern England and break the rebellious state of Yorkshire. A man named Edgar Atheling who was the last Wessex claimant encouraged the Anglo-Danish population of Yorkshire to rebel which broke the Norman hold on the North. Williams first port of call was to pay the Danish to go home, which they did, but the remaining English continued to rebel and refused to fight William on the battlefield.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To defeat the rebels the King decided to starve them out by laying waste to the states, or shires, in the North before putting Norman aristocracy in the area. Towns were burnt to the ground and looted. Animals were slaughtered and fields destroyed causing large scale famine.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Orderic Vitalis, an Anglo-Norman chronicler, wrote the following about the Harrying some fifty years after the event:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">"The King stopped at nothing to hunt his enemies. He cut down many people and destroyed homes and land. Nowhere else had he shown such cruelty. This made a real change.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></em>
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">To his shame, William made no effort to control his fury, punishing the innocent with the guilty. He ordered that crops and herds, tools and food be burned to ashes. More than 100,000 people perished of starvation.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></em>
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have often praised William in this book, but I can say nothing good about this brutal slaughter. God will punish him."</span></em></blockquote>
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9MnOr6nQFQ4/V9qH-u_hklI/AAAAAAAABz8/aqLJnFP6Le0HsnEK4bFLoZiI7fbhMC5ggCLcB/s640/Norman%2BFire.jpg" width="535" /></a><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></em><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is obvious that the actions of King William were brutal and callous, many now perceive his actions as genocide and it's clear to see why. The extent of ruthless murder and shameless destruction is on par with some of the biggest of later genocides. Quite why William thought this was the only option to stop the rebellious shires is any ones guess. It is obvious he wanted to show his power but why he needed to cause so much destruction and have quite so much blood shed is unclear. It certainly makes you glad to be alive today and not back in those turbulent times.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following the Harrying any Saxon earls still left were swiftly replaced with Norman lords who could assert their laws and beliefs on the local people. They built many castles from which to rule and set about bringing the Saxons in to line. This saw the start of the Normanisation of Northern England as well as the rest of the country. Soon the Saxons were converting to the Norman way of living and obeying the new Norman laws.</div>
<br />
This was the same in Furness, although it did take a fair bit longer for the area to become truly Norman, if it ever really did...<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>This year marks the 950th anniversary of the great Norman invasion of England and we at Iron Shepherds are celebrating with this series of blog posts, a brand new weapons display and several events with our Norman encampment! </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Our main period of interest is the 1140's, a period of time within the Norman rule of Britain. We have an Anglo-Norman camp which we set up at various events throughout the Summer months. You can next see us and experience Norman life at the Apple Day at Ford Park, Ulverston on 1st October, 11am - 4pm.</strong><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Norman Blog Series:</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>1066, the Year of the Normans: THE INVASION</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>1066, the Year of the Normans: THE TAKE OVER</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>1066, the Year of the Normans: NORMANS IN FURNESS (coming soon)</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<hr />
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-21138428440498377782016-08-19T10:00:00.000+01:002016-08-19T10:00:07.523+01:001066, the Year of the Normans: THE INVASION<div style="text-align: justify;">
The year is 1066 and the winds of change are brewing across England. Ships filled with knights and noble men sway on the water off the coast of France ready to set sail to English shores. A crown was sought and blood was to be shed before the crown could rest upon the head of a Norman king.</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bunmIBic5G0/V4JFFHba8ZI/AAAAAAAABwk/iBcw2Hk8LrMTLL26qPkkGkLxqPEGmHeNACLcB/s1600/03bayeux%252C%2B%2528Web%2BGallery%2Bof%2BArt%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bunmIBic5G0/V4JFFHba8ZI/AAAAAAAABwk/iBcw2Hk8LrMTLL26qPkkGkLxqPEGmHeNACLcB/s400/03bayeux%252C%2B%2528Web%2BGallery%2Bof%2BArt%2529.jpg" width="535" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section of The Bayeux Tapestry, c. 1080. Courtesy of Web Gallery of Art (<a href="http://www.wga.hu/">www.wga.hu</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
On the 5th of January 1066 the reigning King of England, Edward the Confessor, passed away. This was the start of a turbulent time for the country. The kings brother in law, the Earl of Essex, Harold Godwin was elected to succeed the late king by the Witan, a council of high ranking Anglo-Saxon men. The crown was soon lain upon the head of Harold, now King of England, but this did not sit well with Duke William of Normandy across the water in France. He claimed that King Edward had promised the crown of England to him and had even managed to trick the late king, in 1063, into swearing to support his claim to the English thrown.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Duke William swiftly amassed an army ready to set sail and invade England!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2HwKd1Ldw2g/V6ugAbUcbtI/AAAAAAAABy4/oPWeri9y1Xw64UpyIdkrse5Df11eBk5qQCEw/s1600/Norman%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2HwKd1Ldw2g/V6ugAbUcbtI/AAAAAAAABy4/oPWeri9y1Xw64UpyIdkrse5Df11eBk5qQCEw/s640/Norman%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" width="535" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Around the time William was amassing his army a problem arouse for Harold in the North of England. His brother Tostig had joined forces with Harold Hardrada, King of Norway, and amassed an army now landing on the East coast of Yorkshire. King Harold gathered his army and marched north to Tadcaster to face this new threat. They caught Tostig's men off guard and after a bloody battle, including the death of both Tostig and Harold Hardrada, they, on September 24th, captured Stanford Bridge thus claiming victory over the attackers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ska1tahST8/V7Q2FGgo05I/AAAAAAAABzI/i5sTpZEwnsU_7qcDu4aHCk-683Da7supwCEw/s1600/After%2BBattle%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ska1tahST8/V7Q2FGgo05I/AAAAAAAABzI/i5sTpZEwnsU_7qcDu4aHCk-683Da7supwCEw/s640/After%2BBattle%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" width="535" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was not long however until news that Duke William and his army had arrived on British shores reached the King, they landed on 28th September. A few days later on October 1st Harold and his army, now severely less in number, set off for Kent where William was waiting.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The two opposing armies met on 14th October not far from Hastings and a great battle commenced!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tQbtGCdLg0/V7RCbTb7F2I/AAAAAAAABzY/lYOOiOce8KI1lTkph1rw9bMMGUqMb4XegCLcB/s1600/Battle%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tQbtGCdLg0/V7RCbTb7F2I/AAAAAAAABzY/lYOOiOce8KI1lTkph1rw9bMMGUqMb4XegCLcB/s640/Battle%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" width="535" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Axes swung from the Saxons, cutting down the Norman attackers. Swords swished and clashed as men from both sides fell to a noble death. Shields were smashed, battered and broken. Spears stabbed as arrows flew. A loose Norman arrow flew through the air and landed, quite by chance, in the eye of King Harold. This arrow gave a fatal injury but it has often been unclear as to what happened to Harold and who killed him. Reports from 1080 by an Italian Monk state that Harold was killed by the arrow to his eye but other accounts report him being cut down by a Norman knight, some saying at the same time the arrow hit. The Bayeux tapestry doesn't offer much help as it shows a man with an arrow to the eye alongside a knight chopping down a man, written over both is the caption 'Here King Harold has been killed'. This could hint towards both the figures shown being Harold, one showing the moment he was struck by an arrow and the next of him being run through by a knight. Either way Harold met his end but the battle didn't stop. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNr7chQ9qP4/V6svolNnlNI/AAAAAAAAByo/GfZpjKd68hwrF4xFBJP1g6bKN-DgP0oGgCLcB/s1600/Harold%2BDies%2BBayeux%2BTapastry.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNr7chQ9qP4/V6svolNnlNI/AAAAAAAAByo/GfZpjKd68hwrF4xFBJP1g6bKN-DgP0oGgCLcB/s320/Harold%2BDies%2BBayeux%2BTapastry.png" width="535" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section of the Bayeux Tapestry showing Harold's death (courtesy of Wikipedia)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
It was not long, however, before Harold's remaining men were beaten and killed. This left William the victor, he could now take his place on the English throne and take on a new title; William the Conqueror!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Christmas day of 1066 William was crowned King of England by Archbishop Ealdred of York and began his rule of England and its people. This brought the new Norman way of life to the land and things would start to change across the country...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<hr />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>This year marks the 950th anniversary of the great Norman invasion of England and we at Iron Shepherds are celebrating with this series of blog posts, a Norman based weapons display and several events with our Norman encampment! </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Our main period of interest is the 1140's, a period of time within the Norman rule of Britain. We have an Anglo-Norman camp which we set up at various events throughout the Summer months. You can next see us and experience Norman life at the Medieval Fair at Furness Abbey on 3rd September, 10am - 5pm.</strong></div>
<br />
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Norman Blog Series:</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>1066, the Year of the Normans: THE INVASION</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>1066, the Year of the Normans: THE TAKE OVER (coming soon)</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>1066, the Year of the Normans: NORMANS IN FURNESS (coming soon)</strong><br />
<br />
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></h3>
</div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-2827503094761601892016-07-19T10:00:00.000+01:002016-10-12T16:18:40.381+01:00Victorian Industry in Furness | Life in the Past Festival<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the 1800s England saw massive growth in its industry through, what is now known as, the Industrial Revolution. This growth was seen even here in Furness with new industry starting up from steel works to bobbin mills! Industry which was set to shape the area we know today.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
At the start of the 1800s Furness was similar to how it had been for centuries with large towns like Ulverston and Dalton generally thriving with the iron mining industry being one of the main employers. But over the course of the coming century things would start to change, dramatically.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGNlUnsBPe8/V2loJzwLU9I/AAAAAAAABu8/txWboAN9TkEuU2XesxAWGJ79K2Srz2vaACLcB/s1600/Stott%2BPark%2BBobbin%2BMill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGNlUnsBPe8/V2loJzwLU9I/AAAAAAAABu8/txWboAN9TkEuU2XesxAWGJ79K2Srz2vaACLcB/s320/Stott%2BPark%2BBobbin%2BMill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stott Park Bobbin Mill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the early to mid 1800s lots and lots of bobbin mills were built across the Lake District and into Furness. Places like Spark Bridge, near Greenodd, had large mills and further up near to Newby Bridge was Stott Park Bobbin Mill, now the last remaining mill in the area and, indeed, the country! These mills would produce thousands of wooden bobbins each year for the booming cotton and wool industries over in Lancashire and Yorkshire. So many were needed as they were basically disposable items, used once then thrown on the fire. This meant there was constant orders coming in for more and more of these lovely and functional items. The mills utilised the fast moving water of the Lake District to power their machinery with the use of water wheels and, often, later water turbines. They also utilised the large amounts of coppice woodland in the area.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYlT_4A0QVg/V4PZIdYjt-I/AAAAAAAABxE/ClltJSFu82Q6n1kFy1uj-8VTIXjuTpDcACKgB/s1600/Coppice%2BWood%2Band%2BWater%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RYlT_4A0QVg/V4PZIdYjt-I/AAAAAAAABxE/ClltJSFu82Q6n1kFy1uj-8VTIXjuTpDcACKgB/s320/Coppice%2BWood%2Band%2BWater%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds..JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of a coppiced woodland today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Coppocing was another major industry in the area, growing various types of trees, from hazel to birch, which were regularly cut down to their base to encorage new shoots which will grow tall, straight and fast. These would then be cut down again after a 10-15 year period to grow new shoots again. It was an ongoing cycle which created large amounts of much needed wood. This wood was perfect for the production of bobbins!<br />
<br />
They would be cut down and taken onto site where they could be cut to size and turned on lathes to produce, you guessed it, bobbins. The bobbin industry was a huge one but sadly in the 1970's, with the reduction of wool and cotton mills and the invention of plastics, wooden bobbins became obsolite. All the bobbin mills closed their doors and many were knocked down, thankfully though one of these mills, Stott Park, was saved and is now open today as a visitor attraction. It is run by English Heritage and can be visited 7 days a week throughout the summer months for guided tours around the inside of the mill <br />
where you can even see some bobbins being made!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is safe to say that several of the bobbins being made in the Lake District were going a short distance to Backbarrow where there was a large Cotton Mill. As mentioned previously the wool and cotton industries were booming and mills were springing up across the country, especially in Yorkshire and Lancashire. Furness at the time was indeed part of Lancashire and un-surprisingly had its own Cotton Mill. The mill at Backbarrow ran until 1868 when a large fire broke out causing many of the machines to fall through the floors of the mill destroying them! The mill was re-built but never re-opened.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tM_Zm0qkuIo/V4PZFJu9y7I/AAAAAAAABw8/51-FT23jHCUUhS42crAgPKcocPFvLE4CACLcB/s1600/Remains%2Bof%2Ba%2Bfactory%252C%2BBackbarrow%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tM_Zm0qkuIo/V4PZFJu9y7I/AAAAAAAABw8/51-FT23jHCUUhS42crAgPKcocPFvLE4CACLcB/s320/Remains%2Bof%2Ba%2Bfactory%252C%2BBackbarrow%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds..JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All that remains of the Dolly Blue Factory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A new woolen mill did however open in part of the rebuilt structure in 1880. Sadly though it didn't last past a couple of years but it wasn't the end of the story at Backbarrow. The whole mill site was bought in 1890 by Johannes Eggestorff who opened a brand new factory producing ultramarine blue powder. This saw the birth of the Lancashire Ultramarine Company, a company which became a huge employer in the area and extremely successful. The factory ran until it sadly closed in 1982 after 92 years of production. The Whitewater hotel now stands where the mill building used to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the biggest changes to the peninsula in the 1800s was the arrival of the railway and the huge expansion of the small fishing village of Barrow!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jixN7KwpAw/V4eb_K-HgNI/AAAAAAAABxU/jRFlW4miIFs3GgTQKB9dkLqwYPoai09ZgCLcB/s1600/Train%2BTracks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jixN7KwpAw/V4eb_K-HgNI/AAAAAAAABxU/jRFlW4miIFs3GgTQKB9dkLqwYPoai09ZgCLcB/s320/Train%2BTracks.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Furness Train Tracks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was in 1844 that the Furness Railway Company began life building rail links from the slate quarries at Kirkby-in-Furness and the Iron Ore mines of Lindal to the deep water harbour at Roe Island. These early rail links were solely for the movement of minerals, i.e. slate and iron ore, to the coast where they could be distributed across England. The first links opened in 1846 and soon expanded up to Broughton-in-Furness, a small market town, and later, in 1854, a link was completed to Ulverston (the biggest town in the area at the time). The railway continued to expand with new links to Lancaster and Carnforth, this meant that the Furness peninsula was, for the first time, easily accessible from the rest of the country.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Furness Railway went on to help in the huge, and swift, development of the areas newest town, Barrow.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WP78pDlGQI/V4PY_ueL0TI/AAAAAAAABw4/g37EYG8IRmEpvvyoc8HFZk7CAatHIQ6nQCLcB/s1600/A%2BChimney%2BRising%2BHigh%2Bat%2BStott%2BPark%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WP78pDlGQI/V4PY_ueL0TI/AAAAAAAABw4/g37EYG8IRmEpvvyoc8HFZk7CAatHIQ6nQCLcB/s320/A%2BChimney%2BRising%2BHigh%2Bat%2BStott%2BPark%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A chimney similar to what once dotted the skyline of Barrow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Duke of Devonshire, the Duke of Buccleugh, Henry Schneider and Sir James Ramsden were the owners and board members of the Furness Railway. They also owned the slate and ore mines in the area, not just content with owning large profitable businesses and the rail links to transport their goods they decided to build a huge new dock at Barrow, rendering Roe Islands port useless. They also opened steelworks at Barrow where the local ore could be processed. All this development meant new jobs and in turn new housing was required, housing which was built in Barrow. This marked a period of rapid growth in the town, swiftly expanding it from a small fishing village with a minimal number of houses to a grand Victorian boom town, often referred to as ‘The Chicago of the North’.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All this growth led to James Ramsden, in 1871, founding the Iron Shipbuilding Company, which would later, in 1897, become Vickers Shipyard and subsequently BAE Systems. This new company was created to build large ships in the port of Barrow using the processed steel from the local steelworks. These ships could then be distributed around the country and later the globe. This industry grew and grew in the area expanding the town further and today the shipyard is still the main employer of this truly Victorian town.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyelkSllm2w/V40T3jLIBOI/AAAAAAAABxk/mwNZ8Aq1Rjwc4SHzWozmmvsuGkXhhrSDwCLcB/s1600/Lime%2BKiln%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyelkSllm2w/V40T3jLIBOI/AAAAAAAABxk/mwNZ8Aq1Rjwc4SHzWozmmvsuGkXhhrSDwCLcB/s320/Lime%2BKiln%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What remains of a Lime Kiln in Scales</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another industry popular at the time was quicklime production. Large kilns known as Lime Kilns were used to fire limestone to upwards of 900°c to produce Calcium oxide, or quicklime as it was commonly known as, a white powder substance which could be used in mortar and agriculturally. You can still see many lime kilns dotting the landscape around Furness, the one pictured here is just outside the village of Scales.<br />
<br />
We've only spoken about a few of the vast amount of industries in this area, if we were to go into detail about them all I'm sure we would be here for days! However some of the other industries include - rope works, iron works, jute works, slate mines (Kirkby slate mine is still operational), iron mines, brickworks (Askam brickworks opened in 1845 and is still in use today), charcoal burning, tanneries (leather making) and of course fishing!<br />
<br />
You can find a host of evidence across the peninsula of these long lost industries from the massive slag banks at Askam to the street names of Barrow. Be sure to keep an eye out the next time you are about in the area and do take a mintue to remember the truly idustrial past of Furness!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0Cumbria, UK54.5772323 -2.797483499999998553.400225299999995 -5.3792704999999987 55.7542393 -0.21569649999999863tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-89805159858512249142016-06-24T10:00:00.000+01:002016-10-12T16:18:21.088+01:00How To Make a Thaumatrope (optical illusion toy) | Life in the Past Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BO6a-q4u6VQ/VsM1n5EIu2I/AAAAAAAABoA/rB94rhIBwU4/s1600/1.%2Bmake%2Bcopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BO6a-q4u6VQ/VsM1n5EIu2I/AAAAAAAABoA/rB94rhIBwU4/s640/1.%2Bmake%2Bcopy.JPG" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Optical illusion toys were extremely popular during the Victorian period giving fun and excitement to children and adults alike. In this post we will take a look at how to make one of these toys, the thaumatrope.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The thaumatrope is a simple disc with images on each side which, when the disc is spun around, merge into one image. One of the most popular choices for these toys was a bird in a cage image and this is what we are going to use here.</div>
<br />
<b></b><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eH5ND_qOd4o/VsMwnTEhZGI/AAAAAAAABnA/-qQatq1NfdM/s1600/1.%2BPaper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eH5ND_qOd4o/VsMwnTEhZGI/AAAAAAAABnA/-qQatq1NfdM/s320/1.%2BPaper.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><b>What You Will Need:</b>
<br />
</b><br />
<ul>
<li>paper</li>
<li>card</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>protractor</li>
<li>pencil</li>
<li>glue</li>
<li>hole punch</li>
<li>string</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Step One:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take your paper and mark out two circles with a protractor. Following this mark out a slightly bigger circle on your card and cut all out. This will leave you with two paper discs and one of card.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5AMCnKjnEY/VsMwkxWWEyI/AAAAAAAABm4/_aWxWaEzcmo/s1600/2.%2Bcut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5AMCnKjnEY/VsMwkxWWEyI/AAAAAAAABm4/_aWxWaEzcmo/s200/2.%2Bcut.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzyRVet8evY/VsMwvLkzFoI/AAAAAAAABnM/7sjZMo2DZD8/s1600/3.%2BCircles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzyRVet8evY/VsMwvLkzFoI/AAAAAAAABnM/7sjZMo2DZD8/s200/3.%2BCircles.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Step Two:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Draw a bird cage (or whatever you like) on one of the paper discs, trying to keep it nice and central. Once you have finished the cage take your other paper disc and draw a bird on it. Be sure to centre it and measure it so it can fit inside the cage.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0SdKj3a1yQ/VsMwqnkBLFI/AAAAAAAABnE/dHDvbg-7oRQ/s1600/4.%2Bdraw%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0SdKj3a1yQ/VsMwqnkBLFI/AAAAAAAABnE/dHDvbg-7oRQ/s200/4.%2Bdraw%2B1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DV0C1nbEhcs/VsMwsYKsanI/AAAAAAAABnI/eostiR7U3y0/s1600/5.%2Bdraw%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DV0C1nbEhcs/VsMwsYKsanI/AAAAAAAABnI/eostiR7U3y0/s200/5.%2Bdraw%2B2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Step Three:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take your first disc, with the cage on, and glue it down in the centre of the card disc. Having done this flip the card disc over (the cage will then be upside down on the underside) and stick the bird disc to the centre of the card.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAJfQdTJYWQ/VsMxAlNmPbI/AAAAAAAABng/1LJjXpqtKZw/s1600/8.%2Bfinal%2Bimages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAJfQdTJYWQ/VsMxAlNmPbI/AAAAAAAABng/1LJjXpqtKZw/s320/8.%2Bfinal%2Bimages.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
<b>Step Four:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Use a hold punch to create two holes either side of the paper disc, roughly inline across the centre of the circle. This is where we will thread some string.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3wughCxj60/VsMw_7XVO3I/AAAAAAAABnc/eH_8e4oe0H4/s1600/9.%2Bpunch%2Bholes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3wughCxj60/VsMw_7XVO3I/AAAAAAAABnc/eH_8e4oe0H4/s320/9.%2Bpunch%2Bholes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
<b>Step Five:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Cut two equal lengths of string. Fold over to create a loop at one end. Thread this loop through a hole in the disc. Take the other end of the string and thread it through the loop then pull it back on itself to tighten around the edge of the disc. Repeat this process on the other side.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eIixe0fat6E/VsMw6pBeAgI/AAAAAAAABnY/O4JUX1sZfTI/s1600/11.%2Badding%2Bstring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eIixe0fat6E/VsMw6pBeAgI/AAAAAAAABnY/O4JUX1sZfTI/s400/11.%2Badding%2Bstring.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl2VTf74W-Q/VsMxO-of75I/AAAAAAAABno/MAi9nbQbWkA/s1600/14.%2Bboth%2Bsides.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl2VTf74W-Q/VsMxO-of75I/AAAAAAAABno/MAi9nbQbWkA/s320/14.%2Bboth%2Bsides.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
<b>Step Six:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Have a good old play! Hold onto the ends of both stings on either side of the disc, spin it around several times to twist up the strings. Once ready pull outwards and watch the disc. This bird image should appear inside the cage as the disc spins. A simple and wonderful optical illusion!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvqry61XAYE/VsM07CWoRpI/AAAAAAAABn8/h6dYJ_X3db8/s1600/15.-In-Action.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvqry61XAYE/VsM07CWoRpI/AAAAAAAABn8/h6dYJ_X3db8/s400/15.-In-Action.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.lifeinthepast.co.uk/"><b>www.lifeinthepast.co.uk</b></a></div>
<br />Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-9156563809064489882016-06-10T10:00:00.000+01:002017-07-13T11:34:31.491+01:00Victorian Tourism in Furness<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the 1800s Furness was opened up to the rest of the country in a new way by the arrival of the railway. This meant tourists from afar could now access the area much more easily than before and thus tourism boomed. The likes of William Wordsworth helped to make the Lake District popular with his guide to the Lakes but he also mentions places in Furness, such as the romantic ruins of St Mary's abbey, which drew more people down from the lakes into the peninsula.<br />
<br />
The Furness Railway was established in 1844 as a means of transporting slate and iron ore to the port of Barrrow. It later extended and started to have passenger trains in 1846 with later editions to the railway linking it to Coniston, Lakeside and Carnforth. This opened the peninsula up to people across England in a much easier to travel way. It also linked the area to the near by Lake District, which was a booming tourist destination. This meant the countryside of Furness and its historic sites could become key visitor destinations.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1D_kQJoypIc/V2O5fFtAxNI/AAAAAAAABus/uS4UfOebo4kKuM9UfQFQ36rsXdNNLwC-ACLcB/s1600/Victorian%2B1%2B%257C%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1D_kQJoypIc/V2O5fFtAxNI/AAAAAAAABus/uS4UfOebo4kKuM9UfQFQ36rsXdNNLwC-ACLcB/s320/Victorian%2B1%2B%257C%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" width="320" /></a>Ruins, like those of St Mary's, were hugely popular attractions in this time and a visit to the ruins at Furness were considered essential to any trip out. All classes enjoyed visiting such places and the romantic nature of these sites created an enticing prospect for visitors. Although the ever growing numbers of tourists could lead to problems.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1881 a man wrote annonomously to The Times to vent his frustration at the sight which awaited him at Furness Abbey:<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"Permit me to draw the attention of those who are interested in the preservation of ancient monuments to the present state of things at Furness Abbey. I was present in the ruins for three hours this Thursday afternoon last, and was extremely shocked at the spectacle I witnessed. The place was filled with a rough and noisy crowd of excursionists, and large numbers of children, apparently under no control, were climbing in and out of the beautiful sadilia and over the sculptured capitals of the fallen pillars, which lie on the ground in the ancient Chapter-house, to the extreme danger and, I fear, destruction of most exquisitely carved work."</i> - 26 August 1881.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CbPS9o-4pY/V1qDvGgekUI/AAAAAAAABsI/HYm6vFMNaCgL6DrM6QTg_u7v6JaPmHGWwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CbPS9o-4pY/V1qDvGgekUI/AAAAAAAABsI/HYm6vFMNaCgL6DrM6QTg_u7v6JaPmHGWwCLcB/s320/IMG_3827.JPG" width="320" /></a>Ruins had never been as popular and this could lead to damage being done, something Mr Anonymous was clearly worried about. Another aspect of Victorian tourism which caused what today would be seen as damage was graffiti!<br />
<br />
Today graffiti is generally frowned upon but back in Victorian times it was seen customary to leave your mark on an ancient ruin. Many would leave their initials with the date, a lasting reminder that they were once there. This is a tradition still upheld in modern day China, if you visit the great wall of Chine for example you are encouraged to carve your name onto the wall. Visit any historic site in Furness and you will no doubt find some Victorian graffiti wonderfully carved into the stone, unlike todays scrawling scratches.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgVQTfMGaPI/V2EbHj8ZbaI/AAAAAAAABtk/Ktfaa7wTqY8_-PHjtvQizxbe6oeMnuijACKgB/s1600/Conishead%2BPriory%2B%257C%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgVQTfMGaPI/V2EbHj8ZbaI/AAAAAAAABtk/Ktfaa7wTqY8_-PHjtvQizxbe6oeMnuijACKgB/s200/Conishead%2BPriory%2B%257C%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" width="200" /></a>As mentioned earlier William Wordsworth had a big impact on tourism in the area with the publication of his book 'A Guide Through the District of the Lakes in North England' in 1835. This brought the history of the Lakes and Furness to life for readers and informed them of many historic and naturally beautiful sites. Following is an extract which mentions Furness Abbey alongside Urswick and Conishead Priory-<br />
<br />
<i>“They who wish to see the celebrated ruins of Furness Abbey, and are not afraid of crossing the Sands, may go from Lancaster to Ulverston; from which place take the direct road to Dalton; but by all means return through Urswick, for sake of the view from the top of the hills, before descending into the grounds of Conishead Priory. From this quarter the Lakes would be advantageously approached by Coniston; thence to Hawkshead, and by the Ferry over Windermere, to Bowness: a much better introduction than by going direct from Coniston to Ambleside, which ought not to be done, as that would greatly take off from the effects of Windermere.”</i> - William Wordsworth, A Guide Through the District of the Lakes in the North of England, 1835.<br />
<br />
Wordsworth also wrote an autobiographical poem called The Prelude which included passages about Furness. Read a section of this poem <a href="http://ironshepherdslivinghistory.blogspot.co.uk/p/the-prelude-by-william-wordsworth-1805.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wOjRMmgd-N0/V2Ly9d1ckSI/AAAAAAAABuM/WzHipisp9o8DLSfHGJ8s9A_O55EoHo2YwCLcB/s1600/Lakes%2B%257C%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wOjRMmgd-N0/V2Ly9d1ckSI/AAAAAAAABuM/WzHipisp9o8DLSfHGJ8s9A_O55EoHo2YwCLcB/s200/Lakes%2B%257C%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" width="200" /></a>Of course Wordsworth was not the only famous writer to produce books about the Lake District. At the very close of the Victorian era, in 1901, Beatrix potter released her first childrens book entitled The Tale of Peter Rabit, and would go on to write many books set in the Lake District. Beatirx and her family visited the Lakes for three months every year of her childhood staying in large country houses, like Wray Castle to the north west of Windermere. This was a common practice for many wealthy families living in London and other large cities of England. A break away in the Lakes was the best way to escape the smog of the city and to enjoy nature in breathtaking scenery and many would have traveled down the peninsula to see the sights of Furness. It was on such holidays that Beatrix nurtured her love of story telling, writing little stories to send to her cousins. She also developed a love for nature and especially the Lake District. This led to her buying up huge amounts of farm land across the district to protect it from development and in doing so helped to save the natural beauty of the area, later donating her land to the newly formed National Trust.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0acPBlaBFtc/V2LzT_DbKlI/AAAAAAAABuY/VudsYDoYqFENRjMC3ns6FJG80b6y0ktmACLcB/s1600/Ulverston%2B%257C%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0acPBlaBFtc/V2LzT_DbKlI/AAAAAAAABuY/VudsYDoYqFENRjMC3ns6FJG80b6y0ktmACLcB/s320/Ulverston%2B%257C%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It wasn't just historic sites that became popular tourist destinations but also towns! Ulverston and Dalton were popular places to visit, easily accessible by the railway. Towns and villages like near by Grange and Cartmel also became popular. In 1900 the Furness Railway released a book called 'The Illustrated Guide to the Holiday Resorts on the Furness Railway', which showcased the various towns and attractions accessible along the railway route. This had large sections about Ulverston, Dalton, Furness Abbey, Grange and Cartmel all illustrated with wonderful photographs. Barrow is mostly neglected with in its pages as the town is, at this point, mainly industrial and not yet seen as a tourist destination, especially being a relatively new town, although later the beaches of Walney became very popular. The book goes into detail about each towns history and makes mention of the interesting places which exist within them. Famous past residence are made mention of, like George Romney of Dalton and Sir John Barrow of Ulverston. This would have no doubt acted as a handy guide for any Victorian tourist visiting this hummble part of the world.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Victorian period really saw the birth of modern tourism and started the country's long lasting facination with history and those enigmatic ruins left behind as reminders. There is a wealth of history and facinating places in England and many wonderful sites here in the Furness Peninsula, which are all well worth visiting. So next time you are wanting something to do of a weekend why not be like a Victorian and pop along to one of these <a href="http://ironshepherdslivinghistory.blogspot.co.uk/p/wonderful-local-attractions.html" target="_blank">local gems</a>! <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Experience a truly Victorian day out on 23rd July 2017 at our <a href="http://ironshepherdslivinghistory.co.uk/events/victorian-fun&games/index.html" target="_blank">Victorian Fun & Games event at Furness Abbey.</a></b></div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0Cumbria, UK54.5772323 -2.797483499999998553.400225299999995 -5.3792704999999987 55.7542393 -0.21569649999999863tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-79278849205007879212016-06-01T20:54:00.001+01:002016-10-12T16:17:53.173+01:00The Dissolution of the Monasteries | Life in the Past Festival<div style="text-align: justify;">
The dissolution of the monasteries was a major event lasting many years which changed the landscape of British religion forever. The many abbeys and priories of the country were wiped out leaving but ruins of what once was. The lives of monks and nuns were changed in an instant and many abbots and priors lost their lives. A massive change for England brought on by the greed of a king.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Henry VIII became king in 1509 and at this point corruption had become a major issue within religious houses across Europe, and was being attacked from many angles by critics and protestant reformers alike. It seemed that a reformation was fast approaching. Henry was Catholic and was a defender of the Pope in Rome at the start of his reign but as time went on, and the need for a divorce became pressing, Henry started to break away from Rome and the Pope.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1534 the Act of Supremacy was passed making Henry the head of the English Church. Up to this point Henry had been excessive with his wars, which were extremely costly. This had used up all of his fathers inheritance so money had become a pressing concern.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZudIow0epw/V0853VD1ImI/AAAAAAAABrY/4b2xgRWS3jwoGavGKRcmoIQuPISJpkhhQCLcB/s1600/2.%2BFurness%2BAbbey%2B1537%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZudIow0epw/V0853VD1ImI/AAAAAAAABrY/4b2xgRWS3jwoGavGKRcmoIQuPISJpkhhQCLcB/s320/2.%2BFurness%2BAbbey%2B1537%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was in 1535 that King Henry VIII commissioned a survey of ‘his’ Church and its wealth, a survey called the Valor Ecclesiasticus (Church Valuation). This was the first time that the net wealth of monasteries had been assessed and here in Furness the Abbey of St Mary was found to have an annual income of £805, making it the second richest of the Cistercian houses in England. In total the religious sites of the country controlled around four million acres, about 16 per cent, of the productive land in England and 12 per cent of the total land area, this equated to a huge amount of wealth. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1536 Thomas Cromwell put forward an act of reform, known as the Suppression or Dissolution Act, for the smaller monastic houses earning under £200 a year. Cromwell had declared these houses were “sunk irredeemably in iniquity” and that they had “resisted all attempts at reform for 200 years or more”. He came to the conclusion that they should be shut down and the “idle and dissolute monks and nuns” be distributed amongst the larger, greater abbeys where they could become more disciplined and “mend their ways”. The properties and any riches they held could then be transferred to the King, who, according to the Act, would convert the endowments to better uses. Something that never happened, in fact most of the money went into the government funds.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As one would expect there was a considerable amount of hostility building towards the government, especially here in the north. This led to a rebellion in October 1536 known as the Pilgrimage of Grace. York and Lincoln were seized by rebels for a short time as a protest against the dissolution and various other grievances. The restoration of the suppressed abbeys was one of the highest demands of the rebels.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMeRTcKcGiQ/V086YNDUgUI/AAAAAAAABrg/xuvWG4J1NNUVEQQiyZ1lS8Y2zOgIB8sBgCLcB/s1600/2.%2BSigning%2Bthe%2BDeed%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMeRTcKcGiQ/V086YNDUgUI/AAAAAAAABrg/xuvWG4J1NNUVEQQiyZ1lS8Y2zOgIB8sBgCLcB/s320/2.%2BSigning%2Bthe%2BDeed%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a>This uprising didn’t last long, the king waited as the rebels fell out amongst themselves before he crushed them without mercy. A close friend to the king, Robert Radcliffe, was despatched to Lancashire to quell the rebellion and his arrival was marked by a series of executions. Several large abbeys who had been helping the rebellion were now at great danger, one of these being Furness Abbey. Radcliffe suggested to the abbot of Furness at the time, Roger Pyle, that he should surrender the abbey as a ‘voluntary discharge of conscience’ or suffer the consequences and be executed. The abbot took the advise and in April 1537, along with 28 monks and the prior (the abbot’s deputy), signed the deed of surrender. This passed the abbey, its wealth and its lands to the crown. It wasn’t long before Thomas Cromwell’s men arrived to dissolve the monastery…</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zpLVyzUwhlQ/V087P3tGbdI/AAAAAAAABrs/DFtm9vZlSsk0GCLILZALl7M1Eh8FJKhCwCLcB/s1600/7.%2BAbbey%2BPost%2BDissolution%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zpLVyzUwhlQ/V087P3tGbdI/AAAAAAAABrs/DFtm9vZlSsk0GCLILZALl7M1Eh8FJKhCwCLcB/s400/7.%2BAbbey%2BPost%2BDissolution%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" width="535" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-86044848858041599162016-05-03T10:00:00.000+01:002016-10-12T16:17:41.578+01:00The Timetable of a Monk | Life in the Past Festival<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--QCd9I_H3zE/VyhVLdrBXSI/AAAAAAAABpQ/MnG_5AP0MZ8040qLEUwWFk_Fbe5PXYa1QCLcB/s1600/Monks%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--QCd9I_H3zE/VyhVLdrBXSI/AAAAAAAABpQ/MnG_5AP0MZ8040qLEUwWFk_Fbe5PXYa1QCLcB/s200/Monks%2B9.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The lot of a medieval monk living in one of
the many abbeys across Britain was not an easy one. Men did not become monks
for an easy life, they became monks to worship the lord with their work, prayer
and devotion. They often perceived themselves as soldiers engaged in a
spiritual war against their imperfect, fallen nature. This made for a hard life with e</span>ach day was a long one, packed full of
worship and work.</div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">What follows is the basic timetable for a Cistercian choir monk living in a
medieval abbey during the summer months:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">2.00am </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A choir monks day
would start early with the first of 8 services, Matins. The monks would gather
in the church and stand in the choir stalls. Here they would celebrate the
night office with singing. Two monks, the precentor and succentor, lead the
singing and keep their eyes on the other monks to make sure no one nods off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">2.45am </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Matins ends and the
monks can rest in the cloister for a time. Sadly they aren’t allowed back to
bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">3.00am </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Monks return to
church for Lauds, the second service of the day. This one is to celebrated
daybreak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">3.15am </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lauds ends and the
monks can return to the cloister to read for 45 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">4.00am </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At sunrise it’s time
for Prime to mark the first hour of the day. Another short service lasting only
15 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">4.15am </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It is now time for
the chapter meeting. Monks would meet in the chapter house daily. They would
sit on benches around the walls while they watch and listen to the Abbot as he
says a prayer and reads a chapter of the Rule of St Benedict.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Following this
all the monks must confess there faults and sins. They would then be punished
accordingly often having to lie flat on the ground in front of the others, a
practice known as prostration. In some cases some may have to fladulate, in
other words whip, themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Announcements
follow this and the meeting ends with Psalm 129 and prayers before tasks are
given out to all the monks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">4.45am </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The monks leave the
chapter house to go about their daily tasks for around 2 and a half hours<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">7.30am
</span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Time
for the monks to return to the cloister for half an hour of reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">8.00am </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Terce, the third
service of the day. The monks return to the church to take up position in the
choir stalls. Mass is this time spoken for the monks to listen too and once a
week wine and bread are taken to symbolize the body and blood of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">9.00am </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Monks return to the
cloister for further reading although priests stay in church for private mass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">11.00 am </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Church again for the
forth service of the day, Sext. The name sext comes from latin for six and it
is so called because it was originally celebrated on the sixth hour of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">11.30am</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Time for dinner. All
the monks gather in the refectory, or frater, where the main meal of the day is
served. They stand for blessings before sitting down to eat. Beans covered in
vegetable juice is often popular at this time and each monk has a serving of
bread for the day, their daily bread. Over the course of the meal a monk stands
in a large pulpit and reads from scripture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">12.00pm </span></b><span lang="EN-US">–<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Following dinner the
monks join the procession of thanksgiving in the church before being allowed to
take a nap in the dormitories or read. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">2.00pm<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN-US">- <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now comes the time for None which
involves more singing in the church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">2.30pm </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Following None the
monks return to their work, be that in the kitchen, out in the herb gardens or
working the land with the lay brother. This last for around 3 and a half hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">6.00pm </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A return to church
for Vespers, the seventh service of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">6.30pm</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> -<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During the summer
months monks are allowed two meals a day and now is the time for the second,
although it isn’t as big as the first. They are given vegetables and fruit to
eat with whatever is left of their daily bread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">7.15pm </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The collation
reading. Monks gather in the north cloister walk and listen to a reading by the
reader of the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">7.30pm </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Back to church for
Compline, the last service of the day. At the end of this services the abbot
sprinkles the monks with Holy Water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -72pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">8.00pm</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bed time. After a
long and tiring day of work, reading and singing the monks are allowed to
return to bed for six hours of sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then it’s time for Vigils again and the start of another day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">As you can see there is a lot for a monk to
fit into his day and it certainly isn’t an easy life for them. The days were long with out much rest, meals were scarce and not the most delicious. Nearly every day was spent in the same way never leaving the precinct wall of their monastery. Is it a life you would want to lead?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGexRP3XUYc/VyhWq1s3GLI/AAAAAAAABpw/xDQ_eeJQIIQwdn_cTAna51n4th8SVtN0QCLcB/s1600/Choir%2BMonk%2BWrites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGexRP3XUYc/VyhWq1s3GLI/AAAAAAAABpw/xDQ_eeJQIIQwdn_cTAna51n4th8SVtN0QCLcB/s200/Choir%2BMonk%2BWrites.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVIK_l_nMhU/VyhWoPBo1PI/AAAAAAAABpk/PivupXstFHIDxrAQVxoxd8phZ-eOMmbOQCLcB/s1600/Choir%2BMonk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVIK_l_nMhU/VyhWoPBo1PI/AAAAAAAABpk/PivupXstFHIDxrAQVxoxd8phZ-eOMmbOQCLcB/s200/Choir%2BMonk.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bTJststhxro/VyhWrCcxyDI/AAAAAAAABp4/wwNIb6iwPjogHRp_WsSePM4dHTawuRhPwCLcB/s1600/Monks%2Bin%2BChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bTJststhxro/VyhWrCcxyDI/AAAAAAAABp4/wwNIb6iwPjogHRp_WsSePM4dHTawuRhPwCLcB/s200/Monks%2Bin%2BChurch.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHIyhNryj0g/VyhWpZUpmUI/AAAAAAAABps/nJDBaYXRnZgyJJ_arZB6Yqua1IS4JJdAgCLcB/s1600/Beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHIyhNryj0g/VyhWpZUpmUI/AAAAAAAABps/nJDBaYXRnZgyJJ_arZB6Yqua1IS4JJdAgCLcB/s200/Beans.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b>
<a href="http://www.lifeinthepast.co.uk/" style="font-weight: bold;"><b>www.lifeinthepast.co.uk</b></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-9043715399268222662016-02-23T11:15:00.000+00:002016-02-23T11:15:21.109+00:00Life in the Past | Living History Festival | Announcement <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbqQXuL1dWU/Vsw8MhlkibI/AAAAAAAABoU/3WPDj55_7tc/s1600/Logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbqQXuL1dWU/Vsw8MhlkibI/AAAAAAAABoU/3WPDj55_7tc/s640/Logo.gif" width="535" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi there!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We at Iron Shepherds are very pleased to announce a brand new living history festival based in Furness called Life in The Past!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have been busy creating this festival which will run from May through to August 2016. It will consist of a variety of events at various loctions covering different periods of Furness history from the 13th Century to the 1920s.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alongside our events there will be a selection of talks by archeologists and a host of online materials. We will also be running a couple of competitions for you to get involved in!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We will be releasing more info soon alongside a brand new website at - <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Flifeinthepast.co.uk%2F&h=dAQEBrLC8AQHGxgAcLCmcNCZWTHgbnhZWOmPtBOeaatNFww&enc=AZNCCH8NlYmhEP9-sSb2qs76GmpsM3VLKyp3WN3hiLz_hLFG7BZa2hwve1KMJ30WvB8zzhDjDLM0FZku6hj5DyoJ_vQZvpa_1phyZot3a7GkZgfJDXYqq22E-4W2qh9bj4olnjndlzuWlVYUfcEK7be7v6QFXpkU7gMiHc1EiAj3fHwgi5egrh4Y3iFqML-OZ610uuPJVbUWClqSBUVwRUjK&s=1">http://lifeinthepast.co.uk</a> In the mean time keep an eye out at the Life in the Past Facebook page - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LifeinthePast/">https://www.facebook.com/LifeinthePast/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We can't wait to share more with you very soon!!</div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-62655717457686971052015-12-30T10:00:00.000+00:002015-12-30T10:00:18.173+00:00Making History Come to Life | VIDEO<div style="text-align: justify;">
We recently completed a short video promoting ourselves which has been put together with various shots taken throughout 2015. It gives a little taste of what we do and hopefully soon we will have more videos delving a little deeper into what we about.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the meantime enjoy the video here:</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dpgDp9i3Ozc?rel=0&showinfo=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-90778065591700891412015-12-19T10:00:00.000+00:002015-12-19T11:16:12.222+00:00How to have a Medieval Christmas<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christmas today is a time for giving, a time for sharing precious moments with our loved ones and a time for celebration. Back in Medieval times it was a little different, but not much!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bENy879qfv8/VnQ4pUGjQsI/AAAAAAAABmI/jodFE_PnM9g/s1600/Holly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bENy879qfv8/VnQ4pUGjQsI/AAAAAAAABmI/jodFE_PnM9g/s320/Holly.JPG" width="233" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The term 'Christmas' came about in England during the 11th century and was an amalgamation of an Old English expression for the Festival of Christ - 'Christes Maesse'.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christmas at this time followed much older traditions and celebrations which predominantly celebrated the thought of longer days and the warmer, better weather of Spring approaching. They also were a time to think back and celebrate the past year while there was less agricultural work to be done and thus more time. Time for parties!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Festivals like the Scandinavian Yule and Roman Saturnalia had perviously been celebrated at this time of year and are where Christians borrowed the date for Christmas from.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The exact date for the birth of Jesus was never mentioned in the Bible so the Church used the dates of Pagan festivals as the time for their new celebration of Christ. This made sense as everyone was already celebrating at this time but it also could help Christianise the pagan winter festivals. Something desired at the time. The practice of gift giving at Christmas was even banned for a time by the Catholic Church as it was suspected it had pagan origins! Luckily this ban didn't last.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christmas soon became a time for feasting, drinking, gift giving, singing, dancing and indulging. Similar to today!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, if you want to inject a bit of Medieval Christmas into your modern celebrations here are a few suggestions that might help:</div>
<br />
<b>1. Get Rid of the Tree</b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QaLsUN57iQo/VnQ4leH-2FI/AAAAAAAABmA/YsJEGeB_b2Y/s1600/Apples.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QaLsUN57iQo/VnQ4leH-2FI/AAAAAAAABmA/YsJEGeB_b2Y/s200/Apples.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
People didn't bring trees inside to decorate their homes back then, although trees were important symbols. The Church would decorate outdoor trees with apples on Christmas Eve, a day known as 'Adam and Eve Day' at the time. Seasonal plant foliage was often used as inside decoration; holly, ivy and mistletoe were the most commonly used.</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>2. Don't Sing Carols in Church</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Singing carols is a large part of Christmas in todays society but in Medieval England carols were banned in churches. Many took the word 'carol' too literally it meaning 'to sing and dance in a circle'. This kind of behaviour would ruin Christmas masses so the Church ruled to send carol singers outside the church walls.</div>
<br />
<b>3. Eat Rectangular Mince Pies</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mince pies were baked in a rectangular case in Medieval times to symbolise the crib which the baby Jesus lay in. Certain ingredients like nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves were meant to represent the gifts given by the three wise men. Originally these pies actually did include shredded meat alongside fruit and spices. It was also believed to be lucky to eat one a day over the 12 days of Christmas. You can find our more about Mince Pies in a great English Heritage article <a href="http://blog.english-heritage.org.uk/recipe-for-real-mince-pies/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=Blog_Mince_Pies1812&utm_campaign=Christmas" target="_blank">here</a>. It even has a 1591 recipe for you to try.</div>
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXJeGhdBnaQ/VnQ4r8qXP9I/AAAAAAAABmY/DgdrcLaAIuc/s1600/Paul%252C%2BMartin%2Band%2BLiam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXJeGhdBnaQ/VnQ4r8qXP9I/AAAAAAAABmY/DgdrcLaAIuc/s200/Paul%252C%2BMartin%2Band%2BLiam.JPG" width="200" /></a><b>4. Call it Xmas</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Xmas is not a modern abbreviation, it in fact originates from Medieval times. The X stands for the Greek letter chi. This was the early abbreviation for Christ making Xmas Christmas. The X also symbolises the cross Jesus was crucified on.</div>
<br />
<b>5. Don't Eat Turkey</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Turkey was not brought to this country until the 15th Century so never graced the tables of Medieval folk for Christmas feasts. Instead goose was the most popular option closely followed by venison. Of course the poor wouldn't get the best cuts of meat but may be lucky enough to be given the offal, or umbles as it was known, from their lords. They would cook this with other ingredients in a pie called 'umble pie'. This later became 'humble pie' used widely in a common expression today.</div>
<br />
<b>6. Give to the Poor</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Boxing day was seen as a reversal of fortune, a time where the rich would provide gifts, usually of money, to the poor. Money was gifted in hollow clay pots with a slit in the top called 'piggies', an early version of the piggy bank. These had to be smashed to get to the money.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There you have it, a few ideas to make your Christmas that little bit more Medieval this year.<br />
<br />
<br />
We hope you've enjoyed this post and maybe learnt a little something new. What ever you get up to this holiday season we hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XI-7Cppix6A/VnRHsK4Z-TI/AAAAAAAABmo/qFDQ6tQ6C-4/s1600/IMG_2111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XI-7Cppix6A/VnRHsK4Z-TI/AAAAAAAABmo/qFDQ6tQ6C-4/s400/IMG_2111.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-18458259461489461852015-11-23T10:00:00.000+00:002015-11-23T10:00:00.668+00:00Iron Shepherds Living History Turns Three!<div style="text-align: justify;">
And yet another year passes for Iron Shepherds Living History and boy has it been a good one! With new displays, events and members 2015 has been our best year yet and we wanted to share what we've done with you here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>January 2015</b></span></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Our third year started relatively quietly this year, we had done Winter fairs the last two but this time we decided it best to forgo organising such events and concentrate on preparing new things for the coming season. Having said that we did get invited to a photo shoot ...<br />
<br />
<b>Photo Shoot with Barrow Digital Photography Club | 13.01.2015</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In January the Barrow Digital Photography Club invited us to take part in one of their photo shoots. We accepted the invitation and went along for an evening of photo taking. We must have had hundreds if not thousands of photos snapped of us and it was a great evening! You can check out a video from the night bellow.</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="309" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8iTrcuZRM60" width="550"></iframe>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">May 2015</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Holker Garden Festival | 30+31.05.2015</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0E5F6GIxtA/VeWjnwVRz9I/AAAAAAAABcc/Np4vuRgzKrc/s1600/IMG_6220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0E5F6GIxtA/VeWjnwVRz9I/AAAAAAAABcc/Np4vuRgzKrc/s200/IMG_6220.JPG" width="200" /></a>In May we had our first event of the year, Holker Garden Show. We attended in 2014 along side English Heritage and Furness Abbey Fellowship and this year English Heritage asked us to return with them to put on a small display. We were there for two days, the first had Bertram, Brother Orme Tethera and new member Matilda, the basket maker, display to the public. We had may interested passers by and we promoted our brand new up coming event.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">June 2015</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Life in the Past | Day 1 | 06.06.2015</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 6th of May saw the start of a brand new event created by Iron Shepherds, Life in the Past.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BLmjXrpftU/VeWmwyGUkCI/AAAAAAAABdQ/G4B1oY9b2io/s1600/IMG_4061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BLmjXrpftU/VeWmwyGUkCI/AAAAAAAABdQ/G4B1oY9b2io/s320/IMG_4061.JPG" width="320" /></a>Life in the Past had been planned and worked on throughout the winter and was set to be a two day event showcasing life in the past at and around Furness Abbey. Day one was meet the 12th century peasants to find out what life was like living in Furness and what it was like farming the land on a daily basis to produce food not only for yourself but for the Abbey.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had two new specially written displays on the day: a farming talk written by one of our members Karen (aka Heather), which showcased farming in the 12th century and how tough yet vital it was, and a mummers play written by Paul (aka Toadflax) which was a type of play common in the time to poke fun at establishments as well as to entertain. Both displays went down well and have become part of our growing repertoire. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span id="goog_1520526511"></span><span id="goog_1520526512"></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEPI4fxCSrI/VeWnI-E5K3I/AAAAAAAABdg/VZzqKLtYFTA/s1600/IMG_3868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEPI4fxCSrI/VeWnI-E5K3I/AAAAAAAABdg/VZzqKLtYFTA/s200/IMG_3868.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSvWFe_bTyQ/VeWmaS-kZhI/AAAAAAAABcw/p6jR22HZWTY/s1600/IMG_3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSvWFe_bTyQ/VeWmaS-kZhI/AAAAAAAABcw/p6jR22HZWTY/s200/IMG_3903.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHbZH7NeTeI/VeWmjx8VCdI/AAAAAAAABdA/X70XLzrCLRY/s1600/IMG_3882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHbZH7NeTeI/VeWmjx8VCdI/AAAAAAAABdA/X70XLzrCLRY/s200/IMG_3882.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVU-mQrJqdc/VeWmftT2wvI/AAAAAAAABc4/RWSL2b88iL8/s1600/IMG_3952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVU-mQrJqdc/VeWmftT2wvI/AAAAAAAABc4/RWSL2b88iL8/s200/IMG_3952.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQkAK7rIQig/VeWmqr0eQjI/AAAAAAAABdI/jljZM5BWBRU/s1600/IMG_4074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQkAK7rIQig/VeWmqr0eQjI/AAAAAAAABdI/jljZM5BWBRU/s200/IMG_4074.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZrbjqU17MQ/VeWm4ctsUmI/AAAAAAAABdY/LeBR-PcfxKM/s1600/IMG_4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZrbjqU17MQ/VeWm4ctsUmI/AAAAAAAABdY/LeBR-PcfxKM/s200/IMG_4101.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Life in the Past | Day 2 | 07.06.2015</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 7th was the second day of Life in the Past and this time we were 13th Century Monks for the day!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9GGsztppDs/VeWpte0KmLI/AAAAAAAABeM/Qq82TCTp4Yw/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9GGsztppDs/VeWpte0KmLI/AAAAAAAABeM/Qq82TCTp4Yw/s320/IMG_4246.JPG" width="320" /></a>Following the success of last years Monks Life displays we wanted to include monks in our new event so our second day was dedicated to them and how they lived in Furness Abbey in the 13th Century. We had our small display area but also put on a Chapter Meeting, something that the monks had every morning, and two tours of the abbey with Brother Bertram (Stuart). The chapter meeting involved a reading of a chapter from the rules of St. Benedict followed by Brother Earnolf having to flagellate himself as penance for grumbling. People really seemed to like it!<br />
<br />
The tours went really well also with many visitors sticking around to go on them. With glorious sunshine all day it really made the day, even if we did get a little warm in our woollen habits!<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Take a look at the pictures bellow as well as the advert created to promote the event.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMeSVqeM4nM/VeWpqv_nhFI/AAAAAAAABd8/zQ-fHNpHydY/s1600/IMG_4175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMeSVqeM4nM/VeWpqv_nhFI/AAAAAAAABd8/zQ-fHNpHydY/s200/IMG_4175.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifwu5ADjFQ4/VeWpZ8EV2-I/AAAAAAAABds/F8Z3njGISyc/s1600/IMG_4143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifwu5ADjFQ4/VeWpZ8EV2-I/AAAAAAAABds/F8Z3njGISyc/s200/IMG_4143.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW8KrX2wsOs/VeWprA9wbWI/AAAAAAAABeA/lG9AkzCD_i4/s1600/IMG_4179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW8KrX2wsOs/VeWprA9wbWI/AAAAAAAABeA/lG9AkzCD_i4/s200/IMG_4179.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3OFMwOtdeY/VeWpeiP-Y9I/AAAAAAAABd0/xCjTN-ZrC7A/s1600/IMG_4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3OFMwOtdeY/VeWpeiP-Y9I/AAAAAAAABd0/xCjTN-ZrC7A/s200/IMG_4208.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIsPibg6YOw/VeWpzXQexqI/AAAAAAAABeU/Ysyst060g6E/s1600/IMG_4293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIsPibg6YOw/VeWpzXQexqI/AAAAAAAABeU/Ysyst060g6E/s200/IMG_4293.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="309" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Tcd9vvZP54?rel=0" width="550"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Family Fun Day at Gleaston | 27.06.15</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the end of June we returned to Gleaston for their second family fun day. We set up our camp at the edge of the field and demonstrated through the afternoon. It was a lovely event that we were pleased to have returned to. It was also a very warm summers day, one of but a few we had this summer!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icuBFgRgeiQ/ViZjAXUgUtI/AAAAAAAABfY/SmS-9Dk46yI/s1600/IMG_4407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icuBFgRgeiQ/ViZjAXUgUtI/AAAAAAAABfY/SmS-9Dk46yI/s200/IMG_4407.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6arC4cFd-w/ViZjIIRDPiI/AAAAAAAABfw/QbFnvVGzEU8/s1600/IMG_4441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6arC4cFd-w/ViZjIIRDPiI/AAAAAAAABfw/QbFnvVGzEU8/s200/IMG_4441.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XbrC_SxCzwc/ViZjFMe0sZI/AAAAAAAABfo/nLa79CroJ1A/s1600/IMG_4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XbrC_SxCzwc/ViZjFMe0sZI/AAAAAAAABfo/nLa79CroJ1A/s200/IMG_4448.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSkySVvpC0Q/ViZjCq3RIVI/AAAAAAAABfg/yJaHS7ZZHRQ/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSkySVvpC0Q/ViZjCq3RIVI/AAAAAAAABfg/yJaHS7ZZHRQ/s200/IMG_4372.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">August 2015</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Muncaster Living History Week | 25-26.08.15</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCD4Nthfjug/ViZjakrGwiI/AAAAAAAABgA/DQVVf0CkkAc/s1600/IMG_6530%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCD4Nthfjug/ViZjakrGwiI/AAAAAAAABgA/DQVVf0CkkAc/s400/IMG_6530%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What a lovely if wet time we had at Muncaster this year. We were back for a third year of Living History week and it was a great one! We arrived on the Monday night before our two day stint to find a very wet, marshy field to set up in. Every other year we had attended the field was nice and dry but due to heavy rain this time the site was saturated. We looked around and set our tents up on the slightly higher, dryer land near where we usually set up. We wanted to stay dry when we slept! Eventually we had our camp, this time in a long line of tents, something we had tried before. It proved to work over the course of the two days but we do prefer our usual set up. We met many people over the two days as we demonstrated various crafts, performed our mummers play and weapons display. As always it was a wonderful event to be part of!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WgoZ0vjUTUc/ViZjg1wBApI/AAAAAAAABgQ/1bL_pDGKmEY/s1600/IMG_6681%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WgoZ0vjUTUc/ViZjg1wBApI/AAAAAAAABgQ/1bL_pDGKmEY/s200/IMG_6681%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDCz9txAbCc/ViZjZ3i6cDI/AAAAAAAABf4/fmjgS-5IPn0/s1600/IMG_6553%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDCz9txAbCc/ViZjZ3i6cDI/AAAAAAAABf4/fmjgS-5IPn0/s200/IMG_6553%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CeY-MJvJ1RM/ViZjh3Yr1aI/AAAAAAAABgU/a6zPPFwvBls/s1600/IMG_6795%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CeY-MJvJ1RM/ViZjh3Yr1aI/AAAAAAAABgU/a6zPPFwvBls/s200/IMG_6795%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAsIPtKZxow/ViZjmsYIElI/AAAAAAAABgg/o-Rzc5xD6_E/s1600/IMG_6780%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAsIPtKZxow/ViZjmsYIElI/AAAAAAAABgg/o-Rzc5xD6_E/s200/IMG_6780%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9IMxxv-OHo/ViZjp2mJgKI/AAAAAAAABgo/o9wtXHrtgTg/s1600/IMG_6901%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9IMxxv-OHo/ViZjp2mJgKI/AAAAAAAABgo/o9wtXHrtgTg/s200/IMG_6901%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0B2XBEd3Td4/ViZjr9wXdGI/AAAAAAAABgw/xkjbZQujBOg/s1600/IMG_6963%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0B2XBEd3Td4/ViZjr9wXdGI/AAAAAAAABgw/xkjbZQujBOg/s200/IMG_6963%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOYskSw-V0s/ViZjtHWnLXI/AAAAAAAABg4/P3EGp-9s_uo/s1600/IMG_7021%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOYskSw-V0s/ViZjtHWnLXI/AAAAAAAABg4/P3EGp-9s_uo/s320/IMG_7021%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="309" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qGt0VxTf2OY?rel=0" width="550"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Medieval Fair at Furness Abbey | 05.09.15</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFgmB5LLIaQ/ViaLUju9U3I/AAAAAAAABiQ/ol_SX1kjAPg/s1600/Charge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFgmB5LLIaQ/ViaLUju9U3I/AAAAAAAABiQ/ol_SX1kjAPg/s320/Charge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Early in September we were back at Furness Abbey for another Medieval Fair, the third in fact! The sun was shining and people came out in their droves to enjoy a day in the ruins and enjoying the entertainment. We could be found inside our camp working on our crafts or in the display arena performing our weapons display. The day was wonderful and we all had a fantastic time chatting to the public and demonstrating. It's always a pleasure to be at Furness Abbey and the sunshine and interested visitors always helps! We even set up a camera to take a time-lapse throughout the day, this can be seen in the video player below. It certainly shows the amount of people who move through our camp during the day and the bright sunshine.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CsSuMOIm0PA/ViaLdYCFoyI/AAAAAAAABig/tLa_sMTn9BA/s1600/IMG_7487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CsSuMOIm0PA/ViaLdYCFoyI/AAAAAAAABig/tLa_sMTn9BA/s200/IMG_7487.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zsb_yEVkhUA/ViaLYdRWSvI/AAAAAAAABiY/7hjgtNPDMC0/s1600/IMG_7490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zsb_yEVkhUA/ViaLYdRWSvI/AAAAAAAABiY/7hjgtNPDMC0/s200/IMG_7490.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQydu9Zzbyc/ViaLqEVvM6I/AAAAAAAABi0/-LXmnc04q9A/s1600/IMG_7498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQydu9Zzbyc/ViaLqEVvM6I/AAAAAAAABi0/-LXmnc04q9A/s200/IMG_7498.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbBh9mXlqCY/ViaLqMP95AI/AAAAAAAABiw/BVJB0iIjuHU/s1600/IMG_7548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbBh9mXlqCY/ViaLqMP95AI/AAAAAAAABiw/BVJB0iIjuHU/s200/IMG_7548.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzH7imF2Few/ViaLPdwPPxI/AAAAAAAABiE/EOh0NYfjqbA/s1600/IMG_7482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzH7imF2Few/ViaLPdwPPxI/AAAAAAAABiE/EOh0NYfjqbA/s200/IMG_7482.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDhfRuJpv8U/ViaLOwMeOEI/AAAAAAAABiA/XjrP7nWsQvI/s1600/IMG_7485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDhfRuJpv8U/ViaLOwMeOEI/AAAAAAAABiA/XjrP7nWsQvI/s200/IMG_7485.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="309" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mGTp-z-F9t8?rel=0&showinfo=0" width="550"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>Magna Carta 800, Cartmel | 26+27.09.15</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9rP8VwNlaU/ViaMD8GfpmI/AAAAAAAABjo/AIWOdXbO1Fw/s1600/Monk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9rP8VwNlaU/ViaMD8GfpmI/AAAAAAAABjo/AIWOdXbO1Fw/s320/Monk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another new event for us in 2015 was the Magna Carta 800 celebration at Cartmel. It was a two day event to celebrate the 800th year of Magna Carta and it featured ourselves alongside another re-enactment group, <a href="http://www.tournee.org/" target="_blank">Tournee</a>. We showcased daily life and crafts while the they performed large combat displays to the crowds. Together we filled the majority of the display field next to craft stalls and food tents. Over the weekend many thousands of people (possibly 10,000+) visited the village and came to wander our camp and chat to us. We often had large crowds of people around us watching as we demonstrated which put the pressure on but also really made the day special. It was a truly fantastic event and something we are very proud to have been a part of! If this event were to happen again we would be there at the drop of a hat!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G8bCUhodYwU/ViaL26epgQI/AAAAAAAABjI/N4vAuNIq2rs/s1600/IMG_8000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G8bCUhodYwU/ViaL26epgQI/AAAAAAAABjI/N4vAuNIq2rs/s200/IMG_8000.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZJKN20AH2Y/ViaLyx2MhSI/AAAAAAAABjA/r9O1LfxBH7E/s1600/Cartmel%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZJKN20AH2Y/ViaLyx2MhSI/AAAAAAAABjA/r9O1LfxBH7E/s200/Cartmel%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkOw6EoQa1Q/ViaL7vh8CNI/AAAAAAAABjQ/A0aU9k5SfHQ/s1600/IMG_8060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkOw6EoQa1Q/ViaL7vh8CNI/AAAAAAAABjQ/A0aU9k5SfHQ/s200/IMG_8060.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vegOJtcAQFQ/ViaMFGZ_mwI/AAAAAAAABjw/JmM6YS9xAfs/s1600/IMG_8118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vegOJtcAQFQ/ViaMFGZ_mwI/AAAAAAAABjw/JmM6YS9xAfs/s200/IMG_8118.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtCKZWMXJDY/ViaL_rR3EhI/AAAAAAAABjg/xD3iNKUjHj0/s1600/IMG_8137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtCKZWMXJDY/ViaL_rR3EhI/AAAAAAAABjg/xD3iNKUjHj0/s200/IMG_8137.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBeDjJPaYuk/ViaMG1di0GI/AAAAAAAABj4/2H-EKEnav4c/s1600/IMG_7932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBeDjJPaYuk/ViaMG1di0GI/AAAAAAAABj4/2H-EKEnav4c/s200/IMG_7932.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2O7o5al-QOY/ViaL8AJtJZI/AAAAAAAABjU/RJYyg2jmnxE/s1600/IMG_7963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2O7o5al-QOY/ViaL8AJtJZI/AAAAAAAABjU/RJYyg2jmnxE/s320/IMG_7963.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Apple Day, Ulverston | 03.10.15</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUfiFjQzfTQ/ViaMWd7XQpI/AAAAAAAABkI/mKHyeo5V3MM/s1600/IMG_8194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUfiFjQzfTQ/ViaMWd7XQpI/AAAAAAAABkI/mKHyeo5V3MM/s320/IMG_8194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our first ever October event took place at Ford Park in Ulverston where we were part of Apple Day. We had a small camp set up in part of the field where we spoke to the public about life in 12th Century Furness. Most of us were peasants but we did have one monk attend to give the religious aspect of the time. There was thick mist throughout the day which gave a certain atmosphere to proceedings and it did make it a little chilly. It was a lovely event and we met many interested people.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OKkL8XrUi2U/ViaMXsX62rI/AAAAAAAABkQ/TMBs1D8Al44/s1600/IMG_8215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OKkL8XrUi2U/ViaMXsX62rI/AAAAAAAABkQ/TMBs1D8Al44/s200/IMG_8215.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8tcoQ5iehY/ViaMTuhhowI/AAAAAAAABkA/WzRKWAPZQwk/s1600/IMG_8205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8tcoQ5iehY/ViaMTuhhowI/AAAAAAAABkA/WzRKWAPZQwk/s200/IMG_8205.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RR4CAEX67I/ViaMiJg68VI/AAAAAAAABko/K9bjGrAWz4Y/s1600/IMG_8233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RR4CAEX67I/ViaMiJg68VI/AAAAAAAABko/K9bjGrAWz4Y/s200/IMG_8233.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmQyUTKr7MA/ViaMee2TgnI/AAAAAAAABkg/AjuYlXs4BWo/s1600/IMG_8239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmQyUTKr7MA/ViaMee2TgnI/AAAAAAAABkg/AjuYlXs4BWo/s200/IMG_8239.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Magna Carta Medieval Fayre, Witherslack | 04.10.15</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbu2bUKm1CU/ViaNN1_-hNI/AAAAAAAABlA/aoFyj1kXaZQ/s1600/IMG_8258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbu2bUKm1CU/ViaNN1_-hNI/AAAAAAAABlA/aoFyj1kXaZQ/s320/IMG_8258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another October event! This one the day after Apple Day. We were asked to attend a Medieval Fayre in Witherslack to celebrate the Magna Carta. We jumped at the chance and took out kit over for the Sunday event. This event saw us try out another layout for our camp, this time we pitched up in a sort of diamond shape in the centre of the field. This meant people could walk around us with someone always visible to talk to or watch. It worked well. We had a very pleasant and fun day here speaking to various folk about what we do, We even performed our weapons display twice. Something we hadn't done for two events now. It was the perfect event to finish our season off with and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWHs0-dnclA/ViaNIzDBScI/AAAAAAAABk4/F9IMrrgxtME/s1600/IMG_8278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWHs0-dnclA/ViaNIzDBScI/AAAAAAAABk4/F9IMrrgxtME/s200/IMG_8278.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Ys8SAbXyUM/ViaNHtnGn-I/AAAAAAAABkw/_4hRpBh0Im4/s1600/IMG_8287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Ys8SAbXyUM/ViaNHtnGn-I/AAAAAAAABkw/_4hRpBh0Im4/s200/IMG_8287.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugGw8btXwII/ViaNeLoX3UI/AAAAAAAABlo/pztgXdQgHeY/s1600/IMG_8302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugGw8btXwII/ViaNeLoX3UI/AAAAAAAABlo/pztgXdQgHeY/s200/IMG_8302.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-Jwl6-6qfI/ViaNeXWtLgI/AAAAAAAABls/iQdySAEnzlw/s1600/IMG_8359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-Jwl6-6qfI/ViaNeXWtLgI/AAAAAAAABls/iQdySAEnzlw/s200/IMG_8359.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFnqCALi6Zk/ViaNda5Q5wI/AAAAAAAABlg/esFF800JNXU/s1600/IMG_8314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFnqCALi6Zk/ViaNda5Q5wI/AAAAAAAABlg/esFF800JNXU/s200/IMG_8314.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2015 has been a fantastic year for Iron Shepherds, we feel like we are going from strength to strength and are very excited to see what the future holds! We have many ideas for the coming year and hope we can share these with you in the near future, roll on 2016 lets see what you bring us!</div>
<br />
If you would like to keep up to date with what the Iron Shepherds are doing then why not follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IronShepherdsLivingHistory">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/IronShepherds">Twitter</a> You can also check out our <a href="http://www.ironshepherdslivinghistory.co.uk/">website</a> to discover what we do and what we have coming up.Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-42812728553622928962015-05-27T12:30:00.000+01:002015-05-27T12:30:01.213+01:00Making a Writing Quill<div style="text-align: justify;">
Quills were one of the dominant forms of writing throughout the Medieval period. Made from the feathers of common birds, like geese and ducks, quills were easy to make and worked brilliantly well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Monks living in monasteries, like the Abbey of St Mary's in Furness, would use quills on a daily basis to write copies of scripture while sat in the Cloister Range. At our upcoming event, Life in the Past, during our Meet the Monks day (7th June, 11am - 5pm) you can have a go at writing with one of these wonderful writing implements.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is how such a quill is made:</div>
<br />
<b>Step 1</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take a feather, the one I am using is a white duck feather. You then can cut away some of the feather's barbs (the main body of the feather). I leave some at the top, mostly for decoration.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64QWq-vbZ_Y/VWWhB3PfteI/AAAAAAAABYM/kUn2u_Pqbbo/s1600/1.%2BFeather%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64QWq-vbZ_Y/VWWhB3PfteI/AAAAAAAABYM/kUn2u_Pqbbo/s200/1.%2BFeather%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRV1-zLLVMQ/VWWhM44ij_I/AAAAAAAABYw/0oR7zMb_cws/s1600/2.%2BCut%2Bthe%2BBarbs%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRV1-zLLVMQ/VWWhM44ij_I/AAAAAAAABYw/0oR7zMb_cws/s200/2.%2BCut%2Bthe%2BBarbs%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Step 2</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now it's time to start shaping the nib of the quill, the bit that will do the writing and hold the ink. Feathers have a hollow shaft towards the bottom, this is perfect for creating an ink well which will hold the ink while writing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's time to cut the end. Take a sharp knife and take an angled cut down towards the end of the shaft. Following this cut again in a steeper angle nearer the end and shape the nib.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBKvSAuqQ94/VWWhNK1B4SI/AAAAAAAABY4/Et2CmBVg7e4/s1600/5.%2BCut%2Bthe%2Bshaft%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBKvSAuqQ94/VWWhNK1B4SI/AAAAAAAABY4/Et2CmBVg7e4/s200/5.%2BCut%2Bthe%2Bshaft%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5S1hO3iXvo/VWWhSY4nTGI/AAAAAAAABZE/ANPMWAVtsYE/s1600/6.%2BShaped%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5S1hO3iXvo/VWWhSY4nTGI/AAAAAAAABZE/ANPMWAVtsYE/s200/6.%2BShaped%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Step 3</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Once the nib has been shaped cut a slit down the centre of the nib. This will allow the ink to flow down the shaft to the parchment. Once this has been done you have a new, working, quill. Ready for writing with.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yH_mjWbTWGo/VWWhUUbQ4-I/AAAAAAAABZM/WB0dJ3hjbeE/s1600/7.%2BCut%2Bthe%2Bpoint%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yH_mjWbTWGo/VWWhUUbQ4-I/AAAAAAAABZM/WB0dJ3hjbeE/s200/7.%2BCut%2Bthe%2Bpoint%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Feather Quills are wonderful implements to write with. It really makes you appreciate the art of writing, that is of course if you can write. In our time not everyone was literate or able to write. Monks were well educated and wrote everyday but peasants would, mostly, never write or read.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
800 years ago this year, in 1215, the Magna Carta was written with feather pens just like this!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Come see us on the 7th of June at Furness Abbey to have a go writing with one of these quills at our Meet the Monks display and discover what life was like for Monks in the 13th Century. You can also come and see us at our Meet the Peasants day on the 6th June to learn more about life in the 12th Century.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEBk6z3hJLE/VWWhVblBQoI/AAAAAAAABZU/USmDfRDsx_o/s1600/8.%2BFinished%2BQuill%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEBk6z3hJLE/VWWhVblBQoI/AAAAAAAABZU/USmDfRDsx_o/s320/8.%2BFinished%2BQuill%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eXiQB7mP_k/VWWhCUJDGtI/AAAAAAAABYQ/nq4kor3-IE8/s1600/10.%2BQuills%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eXiQB7mP_k/VWWhCUJDGtI/AAAAAAAABYQ/nq4kor3-IE8/s320/10.%2BQuills%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5rnw6LSwuo/VWWnRs0oUMI/AAAAAAAABZs/hLXpP2s-lGc/s1600/11.%2BQuill%2Bwith%2Bwriting%2BSlope%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5rnw6LSwuo/VWWnRs0oUMI/AAAAAAAABZs/hLXpP2s-lGc/s320/11.%2BQuill%2Bwith%2Bwriting%2BSlope%2B%25C2%25A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-11072815750168942412015-04-14T10:00:00.000+01:002015-04-28T09:58:00.447+01:00Life in the Past Announced<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are very pleased to announce a brand new event developed by Iron Shepherds called Life in the Past! This two day event will be taking place amongst the ruins of Furness Abbey on 6th and 7th June 2015 from 11am - 5pm.</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Tcd9vvZP54?rel=0&showinfo=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Day 1 - Meet the peasants and find out about their daily lives, how they farmed and how they worked. You can also watch a specially written mummers play to end the day!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Day 2 - Meet the monks and discover what life was like living in a Medieval abbey. There is<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> also chance to meet some visiting nuns and take a tour of the holy site by one of the monks!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are really excited to share this event with you and hope to see you there! Keep an eye out for further details as we release them by checking out our Facebook and Twitter.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also take a look at our dedicated webpage <a href="http://www.ironshepherdslivinghistory.co.uk/lifeinthepast" target="_blank">ironshepherdslivinghistory.co.uk/lifeinthepast</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zt-obzNEOs/VT9H4RwH7_I/AAAAAAAABXY/O1uGvfbrgPw/s1600/Life%2Bin%2Bthe%2BPast%2B-%2BPoster%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zt-obzNEOs/VT9H4RwH7_I/AAAAAAAABXY/O1uGvfbrgPw/s1600/Life%2Bin%2Bthe%2BPast%2B-%2BPoster%2BFinal.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0Furness Abbey54.136664 -3.199925000000007553.987692 -3.5226485000000074 54.285636000000004 -2.8772015000000075tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-9522256966827643652015-03-27T10:00:00.000+00:002015-03-27T12:35:01.120+00:00Making a Horn Spoon, by Bertram<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently I got some horn. I had wanted four small cow horns to utilise but I ended up with three nice small horns and one huge horn! I did not expect this. As I had such a large horn and not much use for it I decided I would try out making a horn spoon. I've never done it before and am always willing to try new crafts once! So this is what I did:</div>
<br />
<b>Step 1</b><br />
<br />
I took the large horn and cut it in half so I was left with two pieces. The top piece (the larger piece) I then cut in half length ways ready for boiling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6G7b1FoGsQ/VQ8fbnp8kcI/AAAAAAAABVg/qdPb7CO6lk0/s1600/1.%2BHorn%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6G7b1FoGsQ/VQ8fbnp8kcI/AAAAAAAABVg/qdPb7CO6lk0/s1600/1.%2BHorn%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" height="131" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRu-2j7fIKk/VQ8fc_3er8I/AAAAAAAABVo/PEaSoo5NC14/s1600/2.%2BCut%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRu-2j7fIKk/VQ8fc_3er8I/AAAAAAAABVo/PEaSoo5NC14/s1600/2.%2BCut%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Step 2</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I placed one half in a cauldron of boiling water over a fire. The heat from the water makes the horn become more flexible and able to be shaped, or in my case flattened out. Once it was hot enough I removed it from the water for flattening.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgjLYZ2d1TY/VQ8fZ7_xZgI/AAAAAAAABVY/sMRsO7xdetA/s1600/3.%2BBoil%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgjLYZ2d1TY/VQ8fZ7_xZgI/AAAAAAAABVY/sMRsO7xdetA/s1600/3.%2BBoil%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdbXcJloJhs/VQ8fhFAmkpI/AAAAAAAABVw/bnYaB95ojOU/s1600/4.%2BRemove%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdbXcJloJhs/VQ8fhFAmkpI/AAAAAAAABVw/bnYaB95ojOU/s1600/4.%2BRemove%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b> Step 3</b><br />
<br />
I put the horn on a flat piece of wood then popped half a log on top of it and applied pressure. This flattened the flexible horn which meant I could then use it for spoon making.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsd8Gb3Y97k/VQ8fjc33DmI/AAAAAAAABV4/RelQZjsS3vo/s1600/5.%2BPress%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsd8Gb3Y97k/VQ8fjc33DmI/AAAAAAAABV4/RelQZjsS3vo/s1600/5.%2BPress%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2GqSDMON-8/VQ8fnPQGyAI/AAAAAAAABWA/wx4YwxUcWM8/s1600/6.%2BFlat%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2GqSDMON-8/VQ8fnPQGyAI/AAAAAAAABWA/wx4YwxUcWM8/s1600/6.%2BFlat%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Step 4</b><br />
<br />
Now the horn was flat I could start cutting a spoon shape. I did this using a hack saw and a coping saw to give me the rough shape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-skB6cMWAEvo/VQ8fqSUtfkI/AAAAAAAABWI/EY0XNfUFcdY/s1600/7.%2BCut%2BShape%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-skB6cMWAEvo/VQ8fqSUtfkI/AAAAAAAABWI/EY0XNfUFcdY/s1600/7.%2BCut%2BShape%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0DvAW03cvI/VQ8fqTXA5lI/AAAAAAAABWM/488DVp5ijGo/s1600/8.%2BCut%2BOut%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0DvAW03cvI/VQ8fqTXA5lI/AAAAAAAABWM/488DVp5ijGo/s1600/8.%2BCut%2BOut%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Step 5</b><br />
<br />
Once cut I could use an abrasive material, like sandstone, to smooth the rough edges of the horn and polish it slightly. Once this was done I could then boil it again and shape the bowl of the spoon making a functional and usable utensil!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ovt4H3Vi6k/VQ8ftsA4QCI/AAAAAAAABWY/kxjny6I-HD4/s1600/9.%2BSand%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ovt4H3Vi6k/VQ8ftsA4QCI/AAAAAAAABWY/kxjny6I-HD4/s1600/9.%2BSand%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>Bertram's Bio:</b><br />
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Born near Daltune (Dalton-in-Furness) in 1116 Bertram had a hard start to life working the farm lands with his parents and brother Ernolf. In his teenage years he developed a passion for woodwork and enhanced his skills on a pole lathe. Now, when he isn't working the land, he travels the county selling his wares where he can to earn a crust. Making all sorts of wooden objects from bowls to spoons and even toys Bertram has gained a reputation for quality goods in many parts of the county and just about manages to stay afloat. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<hr />
</div>
</div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-76008859458959803742015-03-21T12:00:00.000+00:002015-03-27T12:34:30.208+00:00The Use of Wood in the 12th Century, by Bertram<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wood. Where to start with wood?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, it is one of the most commonly used and grown resources in my time and, I'm sure, in yours! Here in Furness we have many woodlands near our towns and villages and these woodlands are used readily to collect timber for a huge variety of uses.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owPTu1gfVjA/VMpTosEVG-I/AAAAAAAABUA/wuNFirdDW5o/s1600/Bertrams%2BWooden%2BMakes%2B%2B-%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owPTu1gfVjA/VMpTosEVG-I/AAAAAAAABUA/wuNFirdDW5o/s1600/Bertrams%2BWooden%2BMakes%2B%2B-%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" height="150" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bertram's wooden creations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are just a few example of how we use wood:<br />
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">To build our houses. Wood is used to create the base frames for our homes and buildings. We also use willow and hazel branches to weave in our walls before covering them in daub (horse dung, clay and straw).</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">To create our furniture. Wood is used to make any furniture we can afford, such as tables, chairs or stools. Being a peasant I can't afford much of this!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">To make utensils. Wood is used to make a large selection of utensils from spoons to bowls.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">To make tools. As utensils wood is used to make many different tools from mallets to textile weaving and net making tools.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">To make toys. Wood is used to make many different toys for children to play with including toy dolls.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">To build boxes and chests for storage. We all need storage solutions and for us boxes and chests are some of the best and wood is used to build them.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As you can see we do use wood, a lot! It is one of the most durable as well as cheapest resources to be found. Metal is a fantastic resource but it is very expensive. To create usable metal objects takes a massive amount of work; taking rocks, smelting them to get iron then blacksmithing it to create objects. It is not an easy process! But wood is easily accessible for all and easier to manipulate, although it is still a skill to work it well.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tools for Working Wood</span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6ToxbgNAFY/VMpUY7vQ25I/AAAAAAAABUg/zLFOtB9Mc5s/s1600/Tools%2B-%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6ToxbgNAFY/VMpUY7vQ25I/AAAAAAAABUg/zLFOtB9Mc5s/s1600/Tools%2B-%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woodworking tools</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can use many different tools to work wood but there is one tool that is a must; an axe! Axes are not only used to chop down trees but to also split and shape wood. There are many varieties of axe for various jobs, you can see a T-axe pictured here along with a selection of other tools. This is a small hand axe, perfect for shaping wood before further work. I use this to shape my bowl blanks ready to go on my lathe. The other tools seen here are a draw knife- a flat blade with two outer handles, this can be used by pulling the blade towards yourself to shave wood. A chisel- another staple for wood workers, chisels are used to remove wood and cut into wood. A twist auger- a small hand drill which can be used in a turning motion while applying pressure to drill a small hole. Two gouges- both used to gouge into wood, great for creating the bowls in spoons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLrrbQJt2Uc/VMobIYZZ4-I/AAAAAAAABTo/EMDb8uHms9A/s1600/Bertram%2Bon%2BLathe%2B1%2B%7C%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLrrbQJt2Uc/VMobIYZZ4-I/AAAAAAAABTo/EMDb8uHms9A/s1600/Bertram%2Bon%2BLathe%2B1%2B%7C%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory%2B.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bertram on his lathe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Woodturning, something I specialise in, is often undertaken in my time and is a way of creating usable objects, like bowls, by turning the raw material to shape it. The pole lathe is used to do this. A pole lathe is a piece of machinery, or a tool if you prefer, which uses a pole or two of green, flexible wood with rope attached to both the pole and a pedal. Pushing the pedal pulls the rope which in turn pulls the pole to create energy which can turn a piece of wood.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
You can see here (left) myself turning a bowl. Attached to the wood being turned is another piece called a mandrel, of which the rope is wrapped around. This means that when the rope is pulled it turns the wood rapidly back and forth, with this motion you can then cut into the raw material, on the down turn, using a metal tool called a hook chisel. This is a long metal shaft with a hook on its end, this hook is sharp and is what cuts the wood. Eventually, with a lot of work, patience and sweat you can end up with a bowl or another lathed item. I have used the lathe to create bowls, spoons, toy dolls and even other tools.<br />
<br />
The pole lathe is a remarkable piece of machinery which has been around for many centuries. It's a simply constructed bit of kit which can do a powerful job and it is almost completely made from wood itself!<br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhA05q9rY7c/VMpUQO35HII/AAAAAAAABUQ/A9-9A-sDltQ/s1600/Small%2BStool%2B-%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhA05q9rY7c/VMpUQO35HII/AAAAAAAABUQ/A9-9A-sDltQ/s1600/Small%2BStool%2B-%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A basic stool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Some Examples of Wood Use</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Furniture Making:</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can make many different types and variations of furniture with wood. From high end tables and chairs for the lords and ladies of the land to much more humble and basic furniture, like stools, for the common folk like my good self. Seen here (right) is a simple stool made from just four pieces of wood in a short amount of time. The top, or seat, is a piece of split log and the legs are three small branches. The branches are shaved at the top and slotted into holes drilled in the split log. Simple but effective! You may note that it is three legged, this is because three legs can sit better on rough ground and trust me, we have a lot of that around here! Of course using these same principles you can make tables, something often needed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-oK8qCeJoE/VMpUeUpxZDI/AAAAAAAABUo/cCALXl9rFxk/s1600/Spoons%2B%2B-%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-oK8qCeJoE/VMpUeUpxZDI/AAAAAAAABUo/cCALXl9rFxk/s1600/Spoons%2B%2B-%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" height="190" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden spoons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The making of spoons:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Spoons are commonly used across the country and are mostly made from wood. Only the wealthy can afford metal spoons and personally I think wooden ones are much better! They are easy enough to make, take a log, split it a few times to get some nice planks then either cut or shave it into shape. Finally carve out the bowl of the spoon and there you have it. Of course you can even turn spoons making lovely handles and deep bowls.</div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPZxiGj9E-8/VMpUjQP35JI/AAAAAAAABU8/RO8Z5dHu3Kw/s1600/Toys%2B%2B-%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPZxiGj9E-8/VMpUjQP35JI/AAAAAAAABU8/RO8Z5dHu3Kw/s1600/Toys%2B%2B-%2B%C2%A9%2BIron%2BShepherds%2BLiving%2BHistory.jpg" height="200" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden Children's Toys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Toys:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Ah, toys. Something we all have in some form when young. In our time toys are not only used for play but also for learning. Things like dolls can be used for young girls to play with but also make clothes for, thus learning the skill of sewing, something vital for later life. Toys like horses and spinning tops are also commonly made for play. Spinning tops often made from the discarded centers from bowls.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are so many uses for wood it is hard to fit them all in here but hopefully these few examples will give you an idea of its importance in my time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wood is a durable, beautiful resource which I adore. Its uses are endless and without it where would we be?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Until next time,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bertram</div>
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b>Bertram's Bio:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Born near Daltune (Dalton-in-Furness) in 1116 Bertram had a hard start to life working the farm lands with his parents and brother Ernolf. In his teenage years he developed a passion for woodwork and enhanced his skills on a pole lathe. Now, when he isn't working the land, he travels the county selling his wares where he can to earn a crust. Making all sorts of wooden objects from bowls to spoons and even toys Bertram has gained a reputation for quality goods in many parts of the county and just about manages to stay afloat. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<hr />
</div>
</div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-59351176697881435632014-11-20T09:00:00.000+00:002014-11-20T09:00:09.920+00:00Iron Shepherds Living History Turns Two!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another year passes for Iron Shepherds and plenty has happened over it; from new displays to new events and exciting opportunities!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>December 2013</b></span></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Medieval Camp at a Christmas Fair | 01.12.2013</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLLmN4ycAAA/U6YIeV8x3LI/AAAAAAAABI8/shzpXBy-gxs/s1600/The+Camp+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLLmN4ycAAA/U6YIeV8x3LI/AAAAAAAABI8/shzpXBy-gxs/s1600/The+Camp+1.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a>Our second year started off at a leisurely pace with our first event being another winter fair at Abbey Mill Cafe. We had a small camp set up where we spent the day preparing food, showing some crafts and generally trying to keep warm! It may look realitivly warm in the picture but it was a typical freezing winters day. Luckily we did have the fire to sit by and warm us up but our feet did get a little numb. Even so it was a great little day and a wonderful start to our second year before going on a little break.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRjyn1eV6JA/U6YIbygeIQI/AAAAAAAABI0/xqeY3a5eTuY/s1600/By+the+Fire+with+the+Tent+Behind.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRjyn1eV6JA/U6YIbygeIQI/AAAAAAAABI0/xqeY3a5eTuY/s1600/By+the+Fire+with+the+Tent+Behind.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DvoldgmTQnc/U6YIYcd2cEI/AAAAAAAABIk/tEJg7g_Nyew/s1600/Paul,+Martin+and+Liam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DvoldgmTQnc/U6YIYcd2cEI/AAAAAAAABIk/tEJg7g_Nyew/s1600/Paul,+Martin+and+Liam.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LqiaH8fmTk/U6YIabzLqZI/AAAAAAAABIs/W_WMlDqV2Ys/s1600/Stuart+by+the+Fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LqiaH8fmTk/U6YIabzLqZI/AAAAAAAABIs/W_WMlDqV2Ys/s1600/Stuart+by+the+Fire.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTpLlchYxOM/U6YD_rp3AVI/AAAAAAAABIY/3bNury5C-d0/s1600/The+Iron+Shepherds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTpLlchYxOM/U6YD_rp3AVI/AAAAAAAABIY/3bNury5C-d0/s1600/The+Iron+Shepherds.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">Following the winter fair we went on a break from events for the rest of the winter while we gathered ideas and worked on the summer to come!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">May 2014</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Monks at Furness Abbey | 05.05.2014</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnuQ0P0CfH4/U6YJdiOYb3I/AAAAAAAABJE/pGn9veIFIXA/s1600/The+Monks+Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnuQ0P0CfH4/U6YJdiOYb3I/AAAAAAAABJE/pGn9veIFIXA/s1600/The+Monks+Area.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Brand new for 2014 Iron Shepherds introduced our Monks Life Display, a display tailor made to showcase different aspects of a monks everyday life from when they got up, to what they ate and what chores they had. The setting for our first Monks Life event was amongst the beautiful ruins of <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/furness-abbey/" target="_blank">Furness Abbey</a>. Sat in the cloister range we had a small display which had Brother Bertram demonstrating and talking about cooking, Brother Oswald net making, Brother Orm Tethera discussing everyday life, Brother Fulk giving insight into the lay brothers and Brother Ralph informing about surgery and health. The day saw a fair number of people coming to see us and learn about the Monks of Furness Abbey in an interesting and visually engaging way!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42DncpBbstE/U6YLVkUTi6I/AAAAAAAABJw/peWAW3llKoE/s1600/The+Monks+Area+With+Abbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42DncpBbstE/U6YLVkUTi6I/AAAAAAAABJw/peWAW3llKoE/s1600/The+Monks+Area+With+Abbey.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEmyPhIIsWI/U6YLEEiWr2I/AAAAAAAABJU/3YJ15E_-Sw0/s1600/The+Monks+Area+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEmyPhIIsWI/U6YLEEiWr2I/AAAAAAAABJU/3YJ15E_-Sw0/s1600/The+Monks+Area+3.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYW2zsdMios/U6YLDJ-HGnI/AAAAAAAABJQ/bRQWncKEybc/s1600/Brother+Fulk+Looking+Away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYW2zsdMios/U6YLDJ-HGnI/AAAAAAAABJQ/bRQWncKEybc/s1600/Brother+Fulk+Looking+Away.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67Gsu3RBZ5k/U6YLRRs41yI/AAAAAAAABJo/dpaWvdvFnsI/s1600/The+Monks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67Gsu3RBZ5k/U6YLRRs41yI/AAAAAAAABJo/dpaWvdvFnsI/s1600/The+Monks.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Monks Life at Furness Abbey | 24.05.2014</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8ShzWxuwlY/U6YNGf9N0GI/AAAAAAAABK8/5O7G5Enm4xs/s1600/Standing+by+the+Fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8ShzWxuwlY/U6YNGf9N0GI/AAAAAAAABK8/5O7G5Enm4xs/s1600/Standing+by+the+Fire.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few weeks after our first Monks Life event we were asked to do it again at Furness Abbey to coincide with some shuttle buses that were running on the 24th between the Abbey and the Dock Museum in Barrow. It was the perfect time to have a little extra going on in the ruins so we jumped at the chance to go down and set up our display again. This time, along with the original Brothers, we had a visiting Nun, Sister Æowyn and Brother Mellitus joined us to display ink making. The day was wonderful and we had lots of visitors from the shuttle buses as well as general tourists! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1KapLBClSU/U6YNFCMaf6I/AAAAAAAABK0/pU-1s8xiYIE/s1600/Monks+Life+Display+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1KapLBClSU/U6YNFCMaf6I/AAAAAAAABK0/pU-1s8xiYIE/s1600/Monks+Life+Display+2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3sUR3ehLmw/U6YM5PGjoXI/AAAAAAAABKk/RbYTdLeSJzQ/s1600/Brother+Tethera+Talks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3sUR3ehLmw/U6YM5PGjoXI/AAAAAAAABKk/RbYTdLeSJzQ/s1600/Brother+Tethera+Talks.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bj5CxITeC9Q/U6YNC12OZqI/AAAAAAAABKs/wzAh2UIjYp8/s1600/Sister+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bj5CxITeC9Q/U6YNC12OZqI/AAAAAAAABKs/wzAh2UIjYp8/s1600/Sister+3.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">June 2014</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Holker Garden Festival | 30.05-01.06.2014</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqIzxjt4Jj8/U6YSllezmPI/AAAAAAAABLQ/OsyaiF1emck/s1600/The+Morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqIzxjt4Jj8/U6YSllezmPI/AAAAAAAABLQ/OsyaiF1emck/s1600/The+Morning.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the end of May we had the opportunity to have a small display at the <a href="http://www.holker.co.uk/" target="_blank">Holker</a> Garden Festival, and opportunity we jumped at! We had a small area to set up in to advertise ourselves so Bertram, Anna and Brother Orm Tethera headed up to the Festival to demonstrated some crafts, wares and entertain the crowds. We had lots of interest and positive feedback which was a real boost on the long hot days! We were in a tent which made it extra warm!</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Dalton Carnival | 14.06.2014</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__EbEXZKkcI/U6YUB-B2U6I/AAAAAAAABL8/4oFMdv6phUg/s1600/Parade+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__EbEXZKkcI/U6YUB-B2U6I/AAAAAAAABL8/4oFMdv6phUg/s1600/Parade+4.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A different sort of event for us this. We had been asked to be involved in the 2014 Dalton Carnival so that the carnival theme could be Medieval. We were happy to be involved and on the 14th we set up camp on Dowdales School field and then some of us went off to be in the parade! Brother Orm Tethera was joined by Oswald, Aelswyth and family to lead the parade through the streets of Dalton. Brother Tethera had quite a lot of fun engaging with the onlooking crowds! After the parade we performed our weapons display before everyone rejoined the camp to show off our crafts. It was a nice little day with masses of people enjoying the festivities. We had quite a fair amount come over and talk to us which made the day pass well.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jesFGndmAXw/U6YT29EBzII/AAAAAAAABLs/Xg4gIvFyHcA/s1600/Camp+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jesFGndmAXw/U6YT29EBzII/AAAAAAAABLs/Xg4gIvFyHcA/s1600/Camp+1.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SKDoOXIQLY/U6YT1xZQE0I/AAAAAAAABLc/DWHf4qyy3IU/s1600/Bertram+Being+Watched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SKDoOXIQLY/U6YT1xZQE0I/AAAAAAAABLc/DWHf4qyy3IU/s1600/Bertram+Being+Watched.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KbUipQEJJA/U6YT1sLyZDI/AAAAAAAABLg/ZkT8GO113yQ/s1600/Charge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KbUipQEJJA/U6YT1sLyZDI/AAAAAAAABLg/ZkT8GO113yQ/s1600/Charge.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8ukWovk9Dw/U6YUAE79urI/AAAAAAAABL0/aX6O_lK2SPg/s1600/Weapons+Display+from+Camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8ukWovk9Dw/U6YUAE79urI/AAAAAAAABL0/aX6O_lK2SPg/s1600/Weapons+Display+from+Camp.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b> Family Fun Day at Gleaston | 28.06.2014</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The end of June came and we had been invited to have a display at the Gleaston Family Fun day. The event lasted 4 hours from 12pm and we were there with our Anglo Norman camp to do what we do best, display crafts and engage with the public! We had a great day and spoke to many people who all showed an interest in what we had on show. Throughout the afternoon bowls were turned, nets were made and stone was carved!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_RoA7yc83I/U7lxszWp2CI/AAAAAAAABNk/z9dQhMYEE_k/s1600/Bertram+Turns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_RoA7yc83I/U7lxszWp2CI/AAAAAAAABNk/z9dQhMYEE_k/s1600/Bertram+Turns.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GazQlxFsx_U/U7lxrSIvULI/AAAAAAAABNc/f2E6gTT97fM/s1600/Elisabeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GazQlxFsx_U/U7lxrSIvULI/AAAAAAAABNc/f2E6gTT97fM/s1600/Elisabeth.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ameGm_uC_aI/U7lxqd6YELI/AAAAAAAABNU/WeWA0ODh1QE/s1600/Ralph+Talks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ameGm_uC_aI/U7lxqd6YELI/AAAAAAAABNU/WeWA0ODh1QE/s1600/Ralph+Talks.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PR2LOEIyLbE/U7lxtHw-PSI/AAAAAAAABNo/myt3OlBFl0w/s1600/Toadflax+Talks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PR2LOEIyLbE/U7lxtHw-PSI/AAAAAAAABNo/myt3OlBFl0w/s1600/Toadflax+Talks.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">August 2014</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Muncaster Castle Living History Week | 19-20.08.2014</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Here we are again, back for one of our big shows of the year at <a href="http://www.muncaster.co.uk/" target="_blank">Muncaster Castle</a> Living History Week! We set up camp for two days of education, entertainment and medieval fun and it was a real success!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJKZQ0Y9AYk/U_2cuGWQ-gI/AAAAAAAABO4/lix240w7Lec/s1600/10537021_626237767490048_5312355822842187829_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJKZQ0Y9AYk/U_2cuGWQ-gI/AAAAAAAABO4/lix240w7Lec/s1600/10537021_626237767490048_5312355822842187829_n.jpg" height="227" width="534" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hundreds of people flocked in over the two days and wandered our camp asking questions, listening to explanations and enjoying the atmosphere of Anglo Norman life. We had many positive comments about what we were doing which really made the days worth while. The crowds for our weapons displays were a bonus too!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8F4elab_6X4/U_2cu1cwBqI/AAAAAAAABPA/xY2Gb9GuopQ/s1600/10171258_626236637490161_6042039203094616309_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8F4elab_6X4/U_2cu1cwBqI/AAAAAAAABPA/xY2Gb9GuopQ/s1600/10171258_626236637490161_6042039203094616309_n.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNbSCdSaSRc/U_2cuLKVkEI/AAAAAAAABO8/ctexsUwr9kQ/s1600/10424245_626238710823287_6558377346869916889_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNbSCdSaSRc/U_2cuLKVkEI/AAAAAAAABO8/ctexsUwr9kQ/s1600/10424245_626238710823287_6558377346869916889_n.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhZp_i7CZqo/U_2cvZafxVI/AAAAAAAABPM/VdtFjopgy20/s1600/10559710_626239497489875_7621889595434333378_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhZp_i7CZqo/U_2cvZafxVI/AAAAAAAABPM/VdtFjopgy20/s1600/10559710_626239497489875_7621889595434333378_n.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8l6r0om9u90/U_2cxPtVYpI/AAAAAAAABPg/po3SZxOFaPw/s1600/10610891_626238440823314_2961270265738796591_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8l6r0om9u90/U_2cxPtVYpI/AAAAAAAABPg/po3SZxOFaPw/s1600/10610891_626238440823314_2961270265738796591_n.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEgU6N6gZqY/U_2cv9epEMI/AAAAAAAABPU/gNvuKe7ePZQ/s1600/10574394_626238480823310_5747873004783689122_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEgU6N6gZqY/U_2cv9epEMI/AAAAAAAABPU/gNvuKe7ePZQ/s1600/10574394_626238480823310_5747873004783689122_n.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_7lrcj7nds/U_2cwWVdytI/AAAAAAAABPw/pM3Q7IGPRuQ/s1600/10593146_626239417489883_5737924806005000223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_7lrcj7nds/U_2cwWVdytI/AAAAAAAABPw/pM3Q7IGPRuQ/s1600/10593146_626239417489883_5737924806005000223_n.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHnSkf3HTEk/U_2cxUq1Z4I/AAAAAAAABPs/pz-OBTUp-Tc/s1600/10624891_626238247490000_7665689554803939724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHnSkf3HTEk/U_2cxUq1Z4I/AAAAAAAABPs/pz-OBTUp-Tc/s1600/10624891_626238247490000_7665689554803939724_n.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
On our first evening at Muncaster, as we set up camp, we did a time-lapse video to show in speedy fashion how we erect our camp. It's certainly a fun little watch-<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="309" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/GNbL9eVHGK4?rel=0" width="550"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Medieval Fair at Furness Abbey | 30.08.2014</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
30th of August and it's time for another of our biggest events of the Summer, the Medieval Fair at <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/furness-abbey/" target="_blank">Furness Abbey</a>! And it didn't disappoint!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncR6_LT0u_M/VAORv7QjRlI/AAAAAAAABQI/NVN_uMTEjfE/s1600/IMG_1669%2Bcopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncR6_LT0u_M/VAORv7QjRlI/AAAAAAAABQI/NVN_uMTEjfE/s1600/IMG_1669%2Bcopy.JPG" height="237" width="534" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">10am and the doors opened on the second ever Medieval Fair. Camp had been set up the night before and we were all up and ready for the public who soon arrived in their droves. There was a steady flow of people through out the day, walking through camp, chatting to us about our crafts and life in Anglo Norman Furness. We also performed our weapons display 3 times through the day to large crowds enlightening them to what weapons were used in the time as well as entertaining them with some brawls. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vkDygM_2Iq4/VAbiIpZCLnI/AAAAAAAABQc/6WobOzyfC3E/s1600/10644363_631223163658175_8467335519783012095_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vkDygM_2Iq4/VAbiIpZCLnI/AAAAAAAABQc/6WobOzyfC3E/s1600/10644363_631223163658175_8467335519783012095_o.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hksaAC7-Yw/VAbiMEDu3QI/AAAAAAAABRE/lSAC7sjy5lU/s1600/10382524_631222980324860_4967507048406600405_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hksaAC7-Yw/VAbiMEDu3QI/AAAAAAAABRE/lSAC7sjy5lU/s1600/10382524_631222980324860_4967507048406600405_o.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l8ikmT8Jw7I/VAbiOBLdmHI/AAAAAAAABRQ/RHIioLVdQDg/s1600/10428163_631225700324588_8453251939329789590_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l8ikmT8Jw7I/VAbiOBLdmHI/AAAAAAAABRQ/RHIioLVdQDg/s1600/10428163_631225700324588_8453251939329789590_o.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGeA5y8vVwo/VAbiRVvCwuI/AAAAAAAABRw/L1h4r938_fg/s1600/1940025_631224026991422_4509704137504351767_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGeA5y8vVwo/VAbiRVvCwuI/AAAAAAAABRw/L1h4r938_fg/s1600/1940025_631224026991422_4509704137504351767_o.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JO4efTLlgxk/VAbiSGK8FDI/AAAAAAAABR0/_ysNGdETl3A/s1600/10583057_631225680324590_8960754086774366833_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JO4efTLlgxk/VAbiSGK8FDI/AAAAAAAABR0/_ysNGdETl3A/s1600/10583057_631225680324590_8960754086774366833_o.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnJmsi3n5Ww/VAbiSeryYeI/AAAAAAAABR4/gtUwMj9mSu4/s1600/10623345_631223346991490_3161721596716923659_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnJmsi3n5Ww/VAbiSeryYeI/AAAAAAAABR4/gtUwMj9mSu4/s1600/10623345_631223346991490_3161721596716923659_o.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDWDoVMp0j8/VAbiIrycMHI/AAAAAAAABQY/N_cu-sOKLRo/s1600/10628799_631224250324733_4233568317528536127_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDWDoVMp0j8/VAbiIrycMHI/AAAAAAAABQY/N_cu-sOKLRo/s1600/10628799_631224250324733_4233568317528536127_o.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2V9v84idLA/VAbiQIcm8iI/AAAAAAAABRk/i7ZZyC0Pzl8/s1600/10560446_631225263657965_1208980454339294994_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2V9v84idLA/VAbiQIcm8iI/AAAAAAAABRk/i7ZZyC0Pzl8/s1600/10560446_631225263657965_1208980454339294994_o.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlnz9q4B_fY/VAbiKjUDA5I/AAAAAAAABQw/PgrQBGGcE3w/s1600/10648660_631224673658024_8478160155849907529_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlnz9q4B_fY/VAbiKjUDA5I/AAAAAAAABQw/PgrQBGGcE3w/s1600/10648660_631224673658024_8478160155849907529_o.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
While at the Abbey fair we also filmed another time-lapse video! This video was taken throughout the whole day, from 10am until about 6.30pm, and gives an idea of the numbers of people who flocked to the event and came through our camp!</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="309" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/soHypZhP8Ag?rel=0" width="550"></iframe><b>
</b>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">October 2014</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b>The Room of Curio at Wray Castle | 30+31.10.2014</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfjLX_eidc8/VFdaTKb08oI/AAAAAAAABSU/OdJe0yT_9xY/s1600/%2BDalton%2BMills%2BCurio%2BMaster.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfjLX_eidc8/VFdaTKb08oI/AAAAAAAABSU/OdJe0yT_9xY/s1600/%2BDalton%2BMills%2BCurio%2BMaster.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a>And so arrives our final event of the year for us, a brand new venture created specially for Halloween; our Victorian Room of Curio! Showcased for the first time at <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle/" target="_blank">Wray Castle</a> during their halloween celebrations the idea was devised as a way to engage the public by telling them local stories and legends while also entertaining them with a couple of scares along the way. We had timed entry to the room throughout the two days where Curio Master, Dalton Mills, would take people round. We were booked up for all our entries with 160 people, young and old, entering the room over the time. Everyone left the room happy, entertained and a little bit scared and we received some really positive comments! Dalton Mills was certainly pleased with the reactions to his stories and curiosities.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrN1VJjJ_-Q/VFda0_FetbI/AAAAAAAABTQ/GNgmVKGDKqk/s1600/The%2BDoor%2BKeeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrN1VJjJ_-Q/VFda0_FetbI/AAAAAAAABTQ/GNgmVKGDKqk/s1600/The%2BDoor%2BKeeper.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRSb_3L23Tw/VFdaonISaCI/AAAAAAAABS0/0bgV-w2EZ3k/s1600/Armour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRSb_3L23Tw/VFdaonISaCI/AAAAAAAABS0/0bgV-w2EZ3k/s1600/Armour.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qeLGEPy1JZQ/VFdaoMFNR4I/AAAAAAAABSw/WjcNwXGXPO0/s1600/Scarecrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qeLGEPy1JZQ/VFdaoMFNR4I/AAAAAAAABSw/WjcNwXGXPO0/s1600/Scarecrow.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9IIIvJ5diE/VFdarG4TwPI/AAAAAAAABTA/iO8NGTdOSH4/s1600/Room%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9IIIvJ5diE/VFdarG4TwPI/AAAAAAAABTA/iO8NGTdOSH4/s1600/Room%2B2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWSxeUirHYE/VFdaS9OOF5I/AAAAAAAABSQ/DVLtfpcu07A/s1600/Comment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWSxeUirHYE/VFdaS9OOF5I/AAAAAAAABSQ/DVLtfpcu07A/s1600/Comment.jpg" height="51" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It has been a fantastic year for us with so many new and exciting events as well as returning to some of our favourites. Thank you to all who have supported us, booked us and come to see us this past year. We have had a great time and are extremely excited to see what the next year brings, we certainly have some interesting ideas ...<br />
<br />
If you would like to keep up to date with what the Iron Shepherds are doing then why not follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IronShepherdsLivingHistory" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/IronShepherds" target="_blank">Twitter</a> You can also check out our <a href="http://www.ironshepherdslivinghistory.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> to discover what we do and what we have coming up.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-227654487364767432014-08-31T22:12:00.004+01:002014-08-31T22:12:50.330+01:00A Day in a Norman Camp (a time-lapse video) | VIDEO<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/soHypZhP8Ag?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another fun time-lapse video this time taken throughout the entire day while we were at Furness Abbey for the Medieval Fair! Watch as hundreds of people visited our camp and enjoyed what we had on display and what we had to say. It was a brilliant, busy day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061805254688353109.post-29604402617770297652014-08-26T17:08:00.001+01:002014-08-31T22:13:16.950+01:00How to Build a Norman Camp (in 10 seconds) | VIDEO<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/GNbL9eVHGK4?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
A short time-lapse video created as we set our camp up at Muncaster Living History Week.<br />
Enjoy and look out for more videos to come in the future.</div>
Iron Shepherdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11550682222294376385noreply@blogger.com0