Recreating history - roundhouses and battles

We're a funny lot in England; we love to re-enact historical periods, whether it's a famous battle or simply domestic arrangements.  I've always love history, though dropped it at school because I've a lousy memory for dates - pretty important when it comes to exams!

I'm very interested in nature and wildlife, too, and am a member of the WWT, World Wetland Trust.  You can imagine how pleased I was to see that my local WWT site, Martin Mere, was holding a historical weekend, can't you?

We drove over on a typical British summer day, armed with waterproof clothing and sunglasses, along with binoculars and camera.  We optimistically took a picnic lunch, too - we do so enjoy tempting fate!

There was a camp, complete with fire.  Large logs formed the seating.  Roundhouses had been constructed to demonstrate the homes.

The sides of the roundhouses were created from willow branches coated with mud "daub".  This came from a hole dug at the site.

Sadly, health and safety regulations interfered, yet again, with simple enjoyment: although the hardy people re-creating the past were quite prepared to sleep in the dwellings they had built, this was not permitted as the thatch roofs constituted a fire hazard.

A nearby area was cleared for use as a workshop, with logs being sawn here, but no activity took place whilst we were there.

This is the house used by the camp's battle director, you can see his shield propped outside, and he allows a small boy to wear his headpiece.

There were supposed to be various activites taking place, such as flat bread making and mock battles, but, although we were there for a few hours, nothing appeared to take place when it should, so it was quite disappointing.  There were a few things for children to make, at a price, with enough people to man those sections.  How cynical of me not to be surprised at that.

Still, we were glad we went; the weather stayed fine, we ate our picnic amid lush greenery, and it was interesting to see the houses.  Plus we saw the wildlife which is why we joined the organisation in the first place:-)