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History brought to life for hundreds of people

From prehistory to the Medieval, Gloucester's history was brought to life for hundreds of people to enjoy on Saturday (July 2).

The Museum of Gloucester transformed Greyfriars Green for Hands on History; an event sharing the museum's collection and helping people to love history and archaeology as much as the Museum of Gloucester does.

Visitors made Saxon charms and remedies from local plants with Tir Na Nog, their own Iron Age natural paints and brushes (even from reindeer hair) with Pario Gallico and in a magical marquee enjoyed stories of Goddesses from around the world.

Stonemason Revd Dr Royse Murphy shared his passion for stone and sharing stories, Rachel Hathaway inspired young and old with our Roman costumes and objects, city archaeologist Andrew Armstrong shared the history of the site as an Iron Age settlement as people held the replica Birdlip Mirror: one of the City's most precious objects and inside the museum families were able to handle fossils with the museum's own Doc Saurus.

But the crowd favourite was Tom, the Iron Age Blacksmith and specialist Bladesmith of Big Benyon's Blacksmithing, who was born in Gloucester Royal!

The sanctuary in the city was brought to life by wandering minstrels, musicians Rob and Gillian Guest, who joined just as the sun came out!

Ashley Mackenzie-White, engagement officer from the Museum of Gloucester, said: "It was wonderful to host these amazing artists and makers on this site with such an important history, one that we've only just discovered.

"From prehistory to the medieval, Gloucester's history was brought to life for hundreds of people to enjoy. Perhaps one day we could build a community roundhouse on this site and really make this Hands on History."

Some of these activities will be offered in the museum's summer series and are part of the new education programme. The Museum wants to co-create more events with the community so contact museums.education@gloucester.gov.uk  with your ideas.

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