Crafts
In Acle there is a huge emphasis on heritage crafts. These crafts form our living history encampment and allow us to educate people on a deeper level about how early medieval people lived on a daily basis. Find out more about the crafts we have on offer below.
Embroidery
One of our most valuable crafts as a group. Embroidery was used for decoration, for example on clothing and wall hangings. It involves careful freehand stitching to create beautiful images and patterns. Members of our group are so talented at this craft, that our embroideries hang in the reconstructed Anglo-Saxon hall at Ad Gefrin in Wooler.
Hand Sewing
At Acle we pride ourselves on being able to hand sew our own kit. The vast majority of members sew their reenactment clothing using only a needle and thread, no machines! We use manuscript and archaeological evidence to make our garments as authentic as possible.
Beekeeping & Beeswax Crafts
Bees were extremely useful to early medieval people because of the different uses of honey and beeswax. Members of the group use skeps to demonstrate how this may have been done.
Cooking
Using an open fire and authentic utensils, members of Acle research recipes and cook for the day. From pottage to pies, there’s always something on the go to make your mouth water.
Illumination
Illuminated manuscripts such as the Lindisfarne Gospels have provided some of the best examples of early medieval art.
Grinding Flour
Alongside our cooking demonstrations, we also have a 7th Century quernstone which we use to grind flour to make bread. This quernstone is a commissioned piece and one of our most prized possessions.
Fishing
Fish was likely a staple in the diet of early medieval people who lived by the coast. Members of Acle have been creating fishnets and fish traps to demonstrate how early medieval people may have caught the fish they ate.
Mead and Ale Brewing
Mead and ale were popular drinks in the early medieval period, with mead being more luxurious and expensive. Authentic brewing demonstrations are another craft that Acle has to offer.
Music
Some members of Acle use authentic instruments such as a lyre to bring a musical element to the encampment.
Weaving, Spinning & Carding
From carding the wool, to spinning and then weaving the threads, members of Acle demonstrate the meticulous process of creating fabric.
Lucet Braiding
Braiding with a lucet creates cords which early medieval people may have used to embellish garments or as belts.
Fur Trading
Furs and animal skins were used for a variety of reasons during the early medieval period, but mainly for keeping warm. The group has dedicated members who can talk you through the different furs we have on display.
Games
Early medieval people may have occupied their time by playing board games such as hnefatafl or nine men’s morris.
Coin Minting
Acle has two coin dies which members can use to make coins. One has a 10th Century design and one has a 7th Century design to suit the main eras that we reenact.
