There have been two design experiments for a new reconstruction of an Iron Age roundhouse based on the recent excavation evidence from Glastonbury Lake Village. These have helped to show how far we can push the use of materials to replicate the relatively flimsy character of the original buildings. The final build will begin this winter early in 2025 although the porch structure was retained from previous early experiments. It is expected that the build will be completed for this summer.
The roundhouse is based on evidence from Glastonbury Lake Village, a site halfway between Glastonbury and Godney. The Lake Village was built on a patch of wet woodland surrounded by a huge area of reed beds and open water and was occupied from 150-50 BC. The waterlogged peat allowed organic materials, such as wood, to survive and made the site one of the best-preserved prehistoric settlements ever discovered in Europe.
Surviving wall posts show that the roundhouses ranged from 5 to 8 metres in diameter when complete. The wall posts were surprisingly small, about 38 mm in diameter. They were made of willow or hazel roundwood and were pushed only a short distance into the ground. This suggests that the houses relied on the strength of their woven elements as a basket does.
The Avalon Archaeology project began in 2015 and volunteers have created reconstructions of buildings, including a Saxon Longhall and the dining room of a Roman Villa. A brilliant excercise in excavation, research, engagement and experimental archaeology led by Richard Brunning, Senior Archaeologist at South West Heritage Trust.
Download information sheets on the Roundhouse, Lake Village and Bulleid and Gray
Watch a film about the recent excavation of the Lake Village
Watch a digital recreation of the settlement in its wetland landscape
Constructing a replica Iron Age roundhouse based on evidence from Glastonbury Lake Village. Film by Joseph Speed-Mett
Original story from Iron Age Roundhouse – Avalon Archaeology
