Local historical site, West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, will be throwing open its doors to history enthusiasts and families on two special open days in March; Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 March. The Anglo-Saxon Village is a popular visitor attraction and a site of national archaeological importance. It normally charges an admission fee, but for these two days only there will be no entry charge for the Anglo-Saxon Village or for the specially built centre where archaeological finds from the site are displayed.
Visitors on the open days will be able to watch a new introductory DVD, then go on to explore the reconstructed Anglo-SaxonVillage which is built on an original site, learning about our ancestors who came from Europe to make a new life in East Anglia over 1,500 years ago.
West Stow Ranger, Christine White, says:
“St Edmundsbury Borough Council is delighted to open West Stow’s doors to the public on these special open days. It’s important that the site be made available for local people who are interested in local history. We have a few more open days planned for later in the year in September and November and we hope that lots of local people will take these opportunities to come along and explore the Anglo-Saxon Village and see the fascinating archaeological finds for free!”
Alternatively, visitors can go along to West Stow’s largest event of the year, the Eostre Gathering, which is just around the corner on 26 – 28 March. The Eostre Gathering is “A Spectacular multi-period costume event with market stalls from Saxon, Viking and Norman periods, plus storytelling, puppet shows and the immensely popular Dark Age Games!” Entry charges for the Eostre Gathering are £6 adults/£5 children & concessions/£17.50 family.
Opening hours for 12 & 13 March and for the Eostre Gathering on 26 – 28 March are 10am – 5pm (last entry 3.30pm). Call 01284 728718 or email weststow@stedsbc.gov.uk for more information. For a full list of open days and special events visit www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/weststow.htm.
The Anglo-Saxon Village is set in West Stow Country Park, seven miles NW of Bury St Edmunds off the A1101, with an excellent play area, café, gift shop, nature walks, lake, river and bird-hides all on site.
