Hello everyone, Alex Isles here! Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Bronze Age in Northumberland, exploring not only how people lived and worked, but also how they relaxed and enjoyed themselves. We’ll start at Beanley Moor, a fascinating site rich in history, and then delve into the daily lives of Bronze Age people.
Beanley Moor: A Crossroads of History
I’m standing on Beanley Moor, a windy expanse that’s a treasure trove of archaeological finds. This area boasts Neolithic rock art, an Iron Age fort occupied during the Roman period, and two late Neolithic/early Bronze Age cairns. It’s a landscape where different eras converge.
Bronze Age Leisure: Communal Gatherings and Rituals
Archaeological excavations at Beanley Moor have uncovered large troughs or systems used for boiling water. Stones found nearby, heated to high temperatures in fires, were dropped into these troughs. This suggests two primary theories about their use:
- Communal Barbecues: Local communities may have gathered here, bringing food to share, and used the heated water to boil meat, vegetables, or make soup. This would have been a ritual gathering, fostering social bonds.
- Communal Saunas: Alternatively, these troughs may have been part of a sauna-like structure, with heated stones creating steam for a communal hot pool experience.
Regardless of the specific purpose, these findings indicate that Beanley Moor was a gathering place for Bronze Age people, a space for communal eating or relaxation.
Daily Life in the Bronze Age: Settlements, Farming, and Adaptation
Now, let’s broaden our scope and explore the general lifestyle of Bronze Age people in Northumberland.
- Settlements and Farming: Bronze Age settlements typically consisted of around six roundhouses, ingeniously built into hillsides. They also developed terraced farms, meticulously managing their land for pasture, agriculture, and ritual sites.
- Land Demarcation and Expansion: A key feature of the Bronze Age was the strong demarcation of land. Communities clearly defined their territories using field systems and paddocks. They employed terraced farming to increase agricultural space, allowing for population growth.
- Climate Change and Adaptation: Around 1200 BC, climate change forced Bronze Age people to abandon upland settlements and move to the lowlands. They established farms in these regions, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
Daily Activities and Diet:
Archaeological evidence reveals that Bronze Age people had an agrarian lifestyle, consuming bread and meat. Waste pits contained broken pottery, animal bones, and evidence of cooked wheat and barley.
The Importance of Community and Social Bonds
Returning to Beanley Moor, it’s clear that social gatherings and rituals played a crucial role in Bronze Age life. These events fostered community bonds and provided opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
Connecting the Past to the Present
Reflecting on these ancient practices, we can draw parallels to our own social lives and festivals. Just as Bronze Age people gathered to share food or enjoy a communal sauna, we too seek connection and community through shared experiences.
It’s easy to focus on the grand narratives of history, but it’s equally important to remember the daily lives and social interactions of our ancestors. These moments of leisure and community bring the ancient world to life.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration of Bronze Age life in Northumberland. Until next time, stay safe and well, and I look forward to sharing more history with you in the near future. Thank you very much!
