VOLUNTEER FOCUS Together we’re making a difference
2021 ISSUE 19
Magnificent Medieval Manor Returning to Gainsborough Old Hall
MONITOR VOLUNTEERS We hear from some of the people who look after our free-to-enter sites
INSIDE: Project profile | Why I love... | Storytelling | Our heroes | News and more...
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WELCOME
Hello and welcome Thank you to everyone who contributed to our latest issue. We have received such a great range of articles and news stories for you to enjoy. In our NEED TO KNOW feature on page 22 we hear from English Heritage’s poet-in-residence, Jacob Sam-La Rose, about the impact of the pandemic on his role. Our PROJECT PROFILE on page 16 focuses on the work that’s been going on at Gainsborough Old Hall and some of the exciting discoveries that have been made. If you’re interested in storytelling, take a look at our WE DID IT! article on page 12 to find out what’s been happening at Bolsover Castle and Boscobel House. As always, there’s lots more to enjoy, including a crossword in the OVER TO YOU section on page 33, kindly supplied by David Tovey, to tackle during your tea break. Please continue to stay in touch – it’s always lovely to hear from you. On the cover: Volunteer at Gainsborough Old Hall
Lynne Baybut, Assistant Editor Volunteer
If you’d like to contribute to the next edition of Volunteer Focus or if you have any feedback on this issue, we’d love to hear from you: volunteerfocus @english-heritage.org.uk www.english-heritage.org.uk/ volunteer 0370 333 1185 If you’d like this document in a different format, please contact: 0370 333 1181 customers@english-heritage.org.uk Assistant Editor Lynne Baybut Article Editor Jemma Braidwood Lewis Designer Bronwen Reeves The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.
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CONTENTS REGULARS
F E AT U R E S
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C H A R I T Y U P DAT E
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RO U N D U P
News from the Chief Executive A look at the projects going on across the country
16
P RO J E C T P RO F I L E
22
N E E D TO K N OW
26
Gainsborough Old Hall Poet-in-residence, Jacob Sam-La Rose
P RO J E C T P RO F I L E Find out more about the Kickstart scheme
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NEWS Find out what’s been happening
WE DID IT!
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Storytelling at Bolsover Castle & Boscobel House
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W H Y I LOV E . . .
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S P OT L I G H T
Hardknott Roman Fort Dan Heron, Monitor Volunteer
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WE DID IT! An excavation at Birdoswald Roman Fort
YO U R S TO R I E S Caring for Offa's Dyke
O U R H E RO E S Translators at Hadrian's Wall
OV E R TO YO U We want to hear from you
C H A R I T Y U P D AT E
An update
from Kate Mavor
An overview of our work and achievements.
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s this magazine lands on your doorstep, many of you will be busy helping to welcome visitors to our sites over the winter months, while others will be stepping back until the new season begins in the spring. Either way, I’d like to thank you all for the vital support that you give to English Heritage – by offering your time, skills and enthusiasm you make a real difference to our work, and you play a very important part in helping visitors to cherish, enjoy and understand the story of England.
Education visit at Kenilworth Castle
The footbridge at Tintagel Castle
Awards and achievements Hurst Castle, Dover Castle, the Temple Much of our focus in the last six months Church in Bristol, Carlisle Castle and has been on adapting to the easing of the Royal Garrison Church in Covid-19 restrictions and, as ever, your Portsmouth. Work is starting too on a professionalism and resilience have major project at Belsay Hall and great been outstanding. Thanks to your efforts, progress has been made at Marble visitors are feeling very confident in how Hill in Twickenham, where the local we're managing things – 92% say they community is helping to revive the feel safe when they visit our sites, and house, the park and its facilities. visitor experience scores are higher now The big event to look out for over than they were before the pandemic. the next few months is the reopening We were delighted to of Clifford's Tower in York. receive Sandford Awards Not only has it been expertly You’re this summer for the quality repaired and conserved, but the and value of our education visitor experience has also been helping programmes at Stonehenge, transformed, with fantastic new to inspire interpretation and a new roof Osborne and Battle Abbey, along with Carlisle, Conisbrough, people deck offering wonderful views Kenilworth and Beeston out over the historic city. castles. With volunteer support to help Finally, it gives me great pleasure to deliver activities and workshops to share the news that we were joined school groups and families, we’re able by over five hundred wonderful new to do so much more to inspire the volunteers this summer. We’re delighted next generation to explore England’s to welcome all of you on board. historic places. In September, we heard Whether you’ve been with us for the fantastic news that our footbridge a few weeks or for many years, you’re at Tintagel Castle had been shortlisted helping to inspire people to enjoy for the prestigious 2021 Stirling Prize, our heritage and protect it for future and our new learning centre at Walmer generations. Thank you, and enjoy Castle was also shortlisted for their the issue. ■ Stephen Lawrence Prize. Forthcoming events Of course, we aren’t resting on these laurels, and there’s plenty going on over the next few months. Important conservation work is taking place at
GET INVOLVED To find out about current volunteer opportunities across the country, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/volunteer
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NEWS All the latest news and notices from across English Heritage.
The team at Ranger's House showing their support
Volunteers' Week V
olunteers’ Week takes place each year and is a time to recognise and thank volunteers. During the week, we shared a video from Kate Mavor expressing her thanks for all you have done and continue to do for the charity. There were numerous live talks, including one on the impact of volunteering held by the volunteering and participation team, as well as shared pictures of our volunteers on Facebook and Twitter. There were also messages of thanks and appreciation such as these kind words from Anna Eavis, curatorial director: ‘I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for the continued care, dedication and time you give to English Heritage. I would particularly like to thank our research volunteers who help us to uncover more about the history of our sites, and our collections volunteers who do so much to contribute to the care and management of our historic artefacts. Thank you.’ Sites also celebrated in innovative, engaging and fun ways including virtual cocktails via Zoom at Wrest Park, pictured above.
SHARE YOUR NEWS We’d love to hear from you by email at volunteerfocus@english-heritage.org.uk
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Celebrating Pride month
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hank you to everyone for supporting, getting involved in and celebrating Pride month this year. It was fantastic to see so many of you wearing your Pride lanyards at sites. If you would like to find out more about Pride at English Heritage, visit the LGBT+ History hub on our website to find LGBT+ stories from our sites, an explanation of the terminology we use and insights into how we research LGBT+ histories. www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/lgbtq-history
Get 10% OFF at English Heritage shops and cafés with your pass or quote code VT467 to receive the discount in our online shop.
NEWS
Welcome to Fuse
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his autumn, we will be inviting all volunteers to join Fuse. Fuse is an online learning and communications platform where you will be able to access essential training and information more easily. Look out for more information in the newsletter,
from your manager and in emails. Not online? You will still be able to access essential training and communications. If you have any questions about this, please do chat to your volunteer manager.
BRINGING LEARNING AND INFORMATION TO LIFE
Conservation on the Road
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n June, Conservation on the Road came to Marble Hill. The programme saw a specially equipped van travelling the country to host engaging workshops for all ages, aimed at explaining the various ways in which English Heritage looks after historic sites and artefacts. The nationwide programme ran from May to October and was sponsored by
Sir Robert McAlpine. It was created by interpretation manager James Scott and the Conservation in Action team, run by freelance facilitators and supported by volunteers. The workshops covered various topics, including a hands-on introduction to masonry conservation using soapstone, and a session on pests that damage our collections.
REMOTE TRAINING FOR FRAMLINGHAM VOLUNTEERS
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t Framlingham Castle seven volunteers have received membership training via Zoom. These sessions were light hearted and fun, but they were also all about unleashing the great potential volunteers have to talk to our visitors about membership and the benefits of joining English Heritage. The charity is already seeing the benefits – the passion and enthusiasm of our volunteers has
seen us welcoming many more Members to join up and support the work we do. As an added bonus, our volunteers at Framlingham have also helped us improve our visitor experience, which will encourage more people to join. It’s hard to express just how wonderful it’s been to have the volunteers at the castle, and we can’t thank them enough.
Marble Hill hosted the van for five days before it made its way to Dover Castle to inspire more people to learn about the expertise, scientific research and craft skills that go into preserving our heritage.
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ROUND UP
FROM RUINS TO
ROSE BUSHES
Find out about the difference volunteers have been making, despite another challenging year.
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Main image Education visit to Portchester Castle Far left Portchester Castle Left Thank-you letter sent to the team by a teacher Above Young students get hands-on with castle life
SCHOOL TRIPS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF KINGS Rachel Szabo, Kevin Carrig and Geoff Hallett, volunteers from the Portchester Castle education team, tell us about Discovery Visits.
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t Portchester Castle we have been delighted by the number of schools that have decided to participate in our Discovery Visit ‘In the Footsteps of the Kings’. The facilitatorled workshop explores life at the castle during the reigns of two kings, one a warrior, Edward III, and the other an aesthetic pleasure seeker, Richard II; between them they depict the castle in both war and peace.
in aiding us to ensure that everyone adhered to the Covid restrictions. We had wondered how the Covid changes might affect the impact of the Discovery Visit as dressing up and contact with props could not occur, but every school has expressed their appreciation to us at the end of the session.
Letters of gratitude However, one aspect we have been keen to learn about is which specific Going back to the castle parts the pupils have enjoyed and In June and July, as the pandemic crisis remembered the most. Therefore, it was eased, we were not sure who was the great to receive some beautifully drawn more excited at the resumption of and written thank-you cards from a Year visits, the pupils or us – for many of the 1 class at one school. Their responses, children this was their first-ever school through these cards, have provided us trip out, while we were with an insight into the Every school has impact different parts of so pleased to be donning our costumes once the Discovery Visits have expressed their on again to journey into the the children. From appreciation to their illustrations it is fair past with them. The first school to visit has been to say that our sections us at the end coming to the castle for about attacking and of the session defending the castle and several years, so it felt like welcoming back an about longbow archers old friend. Knowing that we usually end were an obvious hit. The Black Prince the session with a courtly dance, they even features in his own splendid picture, had even prepared their own medieval despite only being mentioned in passing. dance to show us, which was a lovely We are interested and delighted to see surprise. Like all of the schools they that they also recalled smaller pieces of were very flexible and very helpful information such as pigeons being
a delicacy in a pie and that only spoons and knives were used as cutlery during this period. It is clear that no child was inhibited in their response, as one very much enjoyed playing on the grass after the visit. It was also enlightening to discover that the children chosen to be kings or guards appeared to be as thrilled as they might have been had they been in costume. We really appreciate the time and effort that these pupils and their teacher put into creating these cards – we cannot be the only ones who have become volunteers because we want to share our love of the property and its history, and it is very rewarding to know when we have achieved this. We have our fingers crossed that in the autumn we will be able to continue to welcome schools to the castle and lead them on an exciting journey ‘In the Footsteps of the Kings’.►
BE PART OF IT For more information about our education opportunities, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/ support-us/volunteer
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ROUND UP
WILDFLOWER WONDERS Audience development manager Rachel Morrison on the nature projects at Marble Hill.
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he creation and cultivation of the wildflower meadows has been an important part of Marble Hill’s revival. Not only has it helped to restore the heritage site and the historic landscape of the Georgian era, but it is making a huge impact on the biodiversity of our site. The introduction of three bee hives, along with a huge amount of work by the fantastic dedicated garden volunteers at Marble Hill, our head gardener Kate Slack, and horticultural apprentice Jack Morris, has created a huge varied habitat for butterflies and insects, which in turn attracts small mammals and birds. We’ve been able to celebrate this through a number of events – from meadow talks on Zoom and in-person to ‘meadow dipping’ on site. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund grant for Marble Hill, this summer the volunteer team also went on transect training so we can monitor the increased amount of butterflies attracted to the new areas. Volunteers twice weekly count and record what they see and in what area. We look forward to seeing the statistics created by our volunteers of the major impact the new planting and rewilding of areas has had on Marble Hill.
Oxeye daisies at Marble Hill
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Volunteers outside the bookshop at Kenwood
ACHIEVEMENTS AND MILESTONES Territory volunteer manager Karl Goodwin and volunteer manager Holly Walker tell us about the projects at Kenwood.
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he return of many of our team rain or shine to care for the grounds of dedicated and enthusiastic and ensure they looked their best as we volunteers to site has really welcomed visitors back. Their hard work brought Kenwood back to life, and we and dedication has been such a huge have reached some new and important help to the site, and we want to say a big milestones this year. thank you to them for all their support. In June we reopened the dairy for the first time since Covid. This is a Bookshop and house volunteers volunteer-run space, and only accessible The volunteer-run second-hand for our visitors when volunteers are bookshop now opens four days a there to answer questions week and provides the public with and share the stories of Their hard the option to go on even more the building with them. adventures after their visit. Thanks work and to the efforts of our volunteers, the It was a functional dairy which provided milk, dedication bookshop is very close to hitting butter and cream to the the £4,000 mark raised through its has been sales. This achievement is even more house, but it also acted as a space for the aristocratic impressive since it only reopened in such a ladies to come and play the middle of April. huge help at tending the dairy, which Finally, the return of house was a very fashionable volunteers at Kenwood means that hobby. This space does not require prethe upper floor has now been opened booking, which during Covid times has to the public. This allows visitors access been a wonderful addition to our offer, to the Suffolk Collection, which contains providing an alternative for our walk-up royal and family portraits spanning from visitors who were not always able to the 16th to the 19th centuries, including access the main house. internationally important groups of paintings by Jacobean portraitist William Gardening volunteers Larkin. To have the upper floor open on a Outside the house, our incredible team regular basis has not always been possible of gardening volunteers have made a at Kenwood, and this achievement huge difference. Some of the team have demonstrates the progress we are been coming to site throughout almost making to better visitor experience all of the pandemic, working hard come through the support of our volunteers.
ROUND UP
BATTLE IN BLOOM Operations manager James Witcombe gives us an overview of the work in the gardens at Battle Abbey.
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he team of volunteer gardeners at Battle Abbey have been hard at work this summer, and thanks to them the grounds are looking especially beautiful. This season, the dedicated group have been busy with new planting and tending to the abbey’s historic rose bushes. They’ve also been getting on with lots of work that often goes unnoticed – weeding, raking up leaves, edging pathways – it all adds up to making the site look its best for our visitors. People often compliment us on how stunning the abbey is looking in full bloom, which is a real testament to the work of our volunteers. ■
Garden volunteers Catherine Anderson and Sue France
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WE DID IT!
Stories from the past From concepts to costumes, Heather Redmond, former head of on-site visitor experience, talks about our storytelling projects.
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he idea for the storytelling projects introducing props which the volunteers originally came from previous could use to depict the stories of the projects we had completed at sites and the characters. We had three Pendennis Castle, where it was clear that roles: William Cavendish; the storyteller recruiting volunteers and allowing them (who told the stories of the eccentric to dress in costume and engage with ceiling murals in the castle); and, my our visitors gave a huge increase on the personal favourite, Margaret Cavendish. visitor experience scores at site. We knew that Margaret hadn’t really This time, though, we had to move had a voice at site before, depicted ahead with the two projects really as just the wife of during the middle of Covid. William, but she was such I’m in constant But with a lot of hard work a fascinating character in awe of the and thinking around every her own right, so it was issue that cropped up – from dedication of really important to us cleaning the costumes to how we pulled that out and our volunteers created the costume you we trained our volunteers when they weren’t even able at all of our can see here. to come onto site – we were costumed able to make them a success. Dedication I’m in constant awe of interpretation The concepts the dedication of our sites We knew the Boscobel volunteers at all of our project had to fit with the costumed interpretation Capital Investment Project underway, so sites and hope they enjoy playing the stayed with the two key eras – one was roles as much as we enjoy creating the Victorian farm and the other the them. I can’t wait for our new projects Civil War aspect inside the house. At to start at Kenilworth and Audley – we Bolsover, with no such project underway, are currently working up the designs for the team set about thinking how we them but what I can tell you is that they could unlock the stories of our sites will be just as magical (and unusual) for our visitors in completely new ways. as the costumes we already have in We struck upon the idea of printing place as we continue to push the the stories on the actual costumes and boundaries of storytelling further. ►
FIND OUT MORE To find out more about volunteering at Bolsover Castle or Boscobel House please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/volunteer
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Above Heather Redmond Below Sketched concepts for the William and Margaret Cavendish storytelling costumes at Bolsover Castle Opposite page Storytelling volunteer, Karl Bloch, dressed in the final William Cavendish costume
WE DID IT!
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WE DID IT!
Being a storytelling volunteer Roger Chamberlain, a storytelling volunteer at Boscobel House, describes a typical day for first time volunteers.
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fter completing the necessary interviews, documentation and required reading I was called in for my ‘fitting’ of my Stuart period costume. This is my personal attire being now officially a Boscobel volunteer.
A typical day My shift starts with the ‘Findmyshift’ website where I request a date and select a morning or afternoon shift (or both). This is acknowledged with a helpful email. An email is also sent a day prior to remind you of your selection. Personally I put my costume on at home but there is ample secure facility to change at the site if I wanted to, but I use this just as a safe place for my bag etc. This car journey has some interesting reactions if I stop to buy something on the way. On arrival I sign in and then help staff get the facilities ready to receive visitors and take instructions as to my location and function. You’re also issued with a radio.
Storytelling volunteer with visitors at Boscobel House
FIND OUT MORE To find out more about becoming a storytelling volunteer, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/ support-us/volunteer
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position to a A little flamboyancy pays dividends different part As a volunteer there is a certain Roger Chamberlain of the site anticipation greeting the day’s first (for example, visitors whose expectations are varied from building to grounds) to facilitate but, generally, they want a connection staff requirements. Whatever your role to the surroundings they are visiting. entails it is important to enjoy it and give This is aided greatly by the costume it your personal stamp, perhaps with and is achieved simply with a greeting a prop. I personally have a skillset that tailored to the person, couple or family group. Because of your obvious historical involves ropework, knots and splices, and carry a length of rope as part of connection, you are also part of their my costume. experience with all the expectation At the end of your shift you’ll that could generate. A little be relieved via radio confirmation, flamboyancy pays dividends, We all or by the person taking over your together with an enquiry into what made them visit have our duties. Spending the handover together for a time can be fun and the site and what they want own ways much can be learned by watching to know, but usually they enjoy the story, tweaked of relating your relief telling the story their way and vice versa, as we all have or applied to the type historical our own ways of relating of visitor – for example, historical events. shortened or changed for events It is important not to take a family with lively children too much on and to spread your or if the footfall is heavy. days and shifts to accommodate your The aim is to be part of the experience needs. Remember the whole point that will hopefully be remembered and of volunteering is to enjoy the promulgated in a positive way to others. experience and interactions which can be extremely rewarding. It all could end Be adaptable up as a chore if you commit to take It’s important to be in contact with on too many shifts. If staff send out a staff for safety and security, but just as message requesting extra cover, you important is to call for relief for a prewill be more likely to respond and determined break. This keeps your role attend if your shifts have been spread fresh and equitable to the visitor stream. to your requirements. ■ Be ready to be requested to change
Deb Gibson, storytelling volunteer at Bolsover Castle I love my volunteering role as a costumed storyteller at Bolsover Castle. It gives me the opportunity to meet the fantastic visitors and to share the brilliant history and symbolism of the Little Castle and its paintings.
WHY I LOVE ...
VOLUNTEERING at Hardknott Roman Fort
Former employee and now a volunteer for free-to-enter sites in Cumbria, Mick Callaghan reaches new heights.
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fter retiring from his role as property manager for the Cumbrian cluster of pay-toenter sites, Mick Callaghan decided to return to help our charity as a monitor volunteer. He now helps care for numerous free-to-enter sites nestled within the breathtaking Lake District.
vegetation at Bow Bridge, one of Mick’s most challenging sites to monitor is Hardknott Roman Fort. It is one of the most remote Roman forts in Britain. Established in the reign of Hadrian, it is a well-marked site which once sheltered the Fourth Cohort of Dalmatians, from the Balkans.
A remote site In addition to hunting down overgrown
Breathtaking views Sitting at an elevation of around
245 metres, the fort can only be reached by traversing the infamous Hardknott Pass. The pass is a single-track road which snakes through the landscape and is elevated to such an extent that on a clear day it is even possible to see the Isle of Man. Due to the track’s steep incline and windswept location, it is advised that visitors only attempt the journey with a suitable vehicle and in good weather. ■
GET IN TOUCH We’d love to share your story. Get in touch at volunteerfocus@english-heritage.org.uk
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PROJECT PROFILE
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PROJECT PROFILE
RETURNING TO THE HALL
Discover the splendour of Gainsborough Old Hall and find out more from some of the volunteers and staff who have been instrumental in its successful reopening. ►
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PROJECT PROFILE
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THE RETURN TO THE HALL Explainer volunteer Nick Pal tells us about some exciting discoveries at Gainsborough Old Hall and how he plans to share these with visitors.
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fter such a long closure, it was great to be invited back into Gainsborough Old Hall. We volunteers were offered a tour the day before the press day, so there was a strong attendance.
Amazing details Because the work was not yet finished, there was an English Heritage expert at work in every room – please be careful where you walk! And very interesting experts they were too. Here I could ask the questions that had been building up in six years of volunteering. So many amazing details came out; for instance, 18 english-heritage.org.uk
the hall of 1460 was built on the foundations of an earlier hall, which it seems, no-one had previously suspected. If only they had kept proper The building records back was to be then. Most of the clutter had been seen in all its removed so now wobbly glory the building was to be seen in all its wobbly glory. The biggest shock, though, was upstairs. The two rooms had been reunited into one long gallery and painted. Walls that had been a dirty pale colour had been analysed to discover
the original colour and there it was in all its sunlit glory of sky blue under a warm brown. A two-tone distempered gallery! Cleared of its mannequins and glass display cabinets, it was a space we had not known existed in the hall. Glorious story for our visitors I can now give visitors a taste of the glorious story of this five-hundred-yearold building and the extreme rarity of the medieval kitchen. I hope the stories about the lives of ordinary people who lived and worked in it back then contrast quite strongly with the lives of our visitors today.
PROJECT PROFILE
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THE HALL IN SAFE HANDS Andrea Selley, territory director in the North, on the reopening of the hall.
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rom my perspective, I was delighted to be present when we reopened the Old Hall on 1st July. When we took back the keys in November last year, we weren’t sure when we’d be able to reopen, or how much of our planned improvements we would be able to carry out. Luckily, as our financial situation became clearer in January, we were able to commit £300,000 to reopening the Old Hall and quickly set to work. This modest investment is hopefully just the beginning of a new chapter in the long history of this incredible building under English Heritage management. The Old Hall is a much-loved local landmark and, quite rightly, a source of immense pride, and I hope that through English Heritage the Old Hall can get more of the national recognition that it deserves. ►
QUICK QUIZ How much do you know about Gainsborough Old Hall? (Answers on page 34) Images Previous pages Gainsborough Old Hall These pages 1. An aerial view of the hall 2. Nick Pal 3. Lynn Deeney, administrator volunteer 4. Visitors help raise the flag at the hall 5. A lion carving in our care at the hall 6. Visitors explore the hall 7. The tower
PLAN YOUR VISIT Visit the newly reopened hall with its updated visitor facilities. For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/gainsborough-old-hall
1. Gainsborough Old Hall is one of the biggest and best-preserved ___________ in England. a) barns b) medieval manor houses c) motte-and-bailey castles 2. Gainsborough Old Hall has an __________. a) impressive medieval kitchen b) enormous fireplace c) ornate wooden ceiling in the great hall 3. How many steps are there to get to the top of the tower? a) 100 b) 59 c) 73
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PROJECT PROFILE
Rick Berry
BACK AT THE HALL Rick Berry, explainer volunteer at Gainsborough Old Hall, tells us why he is looking forward to regularly guiding tours again.
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first visited Gainsborough Old Hall sometime in the 1990s and was blown away by its historical magnificence. Walking around a building that the eyes of two famous kings, Richard III and Henry VIII, had seen, had a great impact on me. Many years later, around 2007, I was lucky enough to volunteer there on their school’s educational programme. I had previously experienced the Old Hall when I attended with my daughter through her local school visit.
Testing the water After retiring from Notts Fire and Rescue Service, I briefly worked at the Old Hall before moving on to new challenges but they kept me on as a tour guide. After some years, things changed and I seemed to stop guiding. When English Heritage recently took Gainsborough Old Hall under its wing, I thought I’d ‘test the water’ to see if I still had the passion for the Old Hall and, indeed, I did. Although at the moment I am a room guide (explainer), I aspire to become a group tour guide once again, having the honour of showing coach tours around our beautiful building. Looking back and revising my old guiding notes has been fun, and along with the new interpretation I look forward to regularly guiding again at the jewel in Gainsborough’s crown, Gainsborough Old Hall. ■ GET IN TOUCH To find out more about volunteering at this site, email us at volunteer.enquiries@english-heritage.org.uk
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S POTLIGHT
DAN HERON MONITOR VOLUNTEER Meet Dan Heron and learn about his volunteer experience with us as he supports free-to-enter sites.
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an Heron supports the free-to-enter sites in Northumberland as a monitor volunteer. Originally registering to help care for Black Middens Bastle House, a fortified farmhouse with thick stone walls of a type distinctive I find visiting to the troubled 16th-century Anglo-Scottish borders, Dan now the beautiful, also helps to care for the east end historical of Hadrian’s Wall.
sites very
Why volunteer? peaceful and When asked for his thoughts on volunteering and what keeps him they offer me coming back for more, Dan noted, time to relax ‘I thoroughly enjoy volunteering for English Heritage. I find visiting the beautiful, historical sites very peaceful and they offer me time to relax, enjoy the surroundings and above all help English Heritage protect, maintain and preserve our history.’ Always willing to try new things and help the team in any way possible, Dan embodies the enthusiasm and commitment of monitor volunteers across the country. ■
Black Middens Bastle House
Free-to-enter site signage in Dan’s care
GET IN TOUCH To find out more about becoming a monitor volunteer contact us at volunteer.enquiries@english-heritage.org.uk
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NEED TO KNOW
INTRODUCING OUR
POET-IN-RESIDENCE Jacob Sam-La Rose on being a poet-in-residence for English Heritage through a pandemic.
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uffice to say, I had high hopes when I was initially offered the role of poet-in-residence for English Heritage. Creative residency roles are often amorphous, subject to negotiation between the host organisation and the artist/poet. While there was pretty much a blank canvas when discussion began, I was almost immediately drawn to the prospect of digging deeply into a selection of English Heritage sites and what those sites might represent, navigating through macro and micro manifestations of national identity, history, belonging, ways of defining a culture, inclusion/exclusion, and what it is that constitutes Englishness. Also, specific characteristics of the sites themselves. I became fascinated, for example, with the archaeological phenomenon of parch marks – the idea that the foundations of a structure, no longer visible above ground, might continue to haunt a landscape. Such rich, raw material to work with. I imagined producing a body of new works, crossing the country, with poetry as a lens, scalpel and shovel. Boots on the ground, fingers in the dirt, and getting to know.
Lockdown You know what happened next. Pandemic. Lockdown. Sites closed and travel restricted. I considered how and whether I might redefine the work in order to pursue it remotely, but things slowed, then came to a halt. By the time we tentatively emerged from the first national lockdown, the vision for the work had changed, responding not only to the practical limitations of the pandemic, but also a foregrounded awareness of racial discrimination and inequality. We assembled a cohort of commissioned poets. We facilitated workshops, and delivered a panel discussion on the importance of poetry in the work of interrogating culture, memory and historical record. We ran a national poetry competition. And we produced events and a digital publication to showcase some of the poetry generated through the programme.
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On reflection All in all, I believe in the value of the work that was completed. But I still think of what it was that originally drew me to the residency, what I was initially so excited about, how so much of that thinking was wrapped up in the idea of actual, physical presence and experience of the range of properties English Heritage is responsible for. And I hope that, some day in the not-too-distant future, there’ll be an opportunity to explore that original vision further. ■
What it Means to Be by Jacob Sam-La Rose At Deal, you pace the walls, try on a 16th century mistrust of an open horizon, imagine yourself responsible for the island's southern flank. As you return to now, the waves continue landing one after the next. At Boscobel, you wonder: if you stand amongst the oak and spread your toes and lay down roots, who might challenge your credentials? At Muchelney you walk amongst the ghosts of things, the parch marks in the grass and all their whispers. The River Ouse still speaks directly to the Ure. Go on, you say – you're listening, and they babble something back and forth about the comfort of old beds, and how a river's business lies in moving on. It's not so much what it might be, this Englishness, but where within it you might belong. Even in this fractured time, you try your luck with all the old touchstones: tea, and Dover, chippies, rain and all the seasons, and go on until you arrive on the threshold of your own sovereign enquiry, like Janus, looking forward and behind: all that's gone before – a careworn prayer passed down and shuttled through the fingers, the future like a temple to carry that prayer into.
NEED TO KNOW
I was almost immediately drawn to the prospect of digging deeply into a selection of English Heritage sites and what those sites might represent
FIND OUT MORE For more information about Jacob and his other work visit www.jacobsamlarose.com
english-heritage.org.uk 23
WE DID IT!
The Birdoswald excavation Territory volunteer manager Sophie Hearn on discovering two thousand years of history hidden beneath the soil.
B
irdoswald Roman Fort lies in a narrow corridor between Hadrian’s Wall and a steep cliff above a meander of the river Irthing. Its story began in AD 122 with the construction of Hadrian’s Wall. The fort itself was added shortly after and occupied throughout the Roman period. At just over five acres, Birdoswald was one of the larger forts on Hadrian’s Wall.
The Wall's construction The Wall was at first built of turf. At Birdoswald, the builders of the turf Wall had to clear woodland and drain a small bog before construction could start. The fort may therefore have begun as a turf and timber construction, but this phase was not completed, and a stone fort was begun instead. The significance of Birdoswald lies in its defences, which are some of the best preserved along the Wall. We are able to know so much about Birdoswald’s story thanks to a century of 24 english-heritage.org.uk
successive excavations. As the only fort extensively excavated on the turf sector of Hadrian’s Wall, it has produced more archaeological evidence for the phases of the Wall’s construction than any other. It was also the first fort to produce substantial evidence for what happened on the Wall when Roman rule in Britain ended. The fort, its vicus (civilian settlement) and cemetery have all been partially excavated. In addition, the extent of the vicus has been revealed through geophysics. More to learn Despite the depth of research, there are still unanswered questions. In the summer of 2021 a new excavation was launched, in partnership with Newcastle University and Historic England. This programme of works will seek to learn more about the settlement around the fort and understand the community who called it home. Scheduled to run annually until 2026, volunteers have
I have enjoyed meeting visitors from all parts of the UK who have been so interested in the excavations, many visiting just for that experience
WE DID IT!
Main image Birdoswald with Bunkhouse This page, from left to right Les and Jane Gill; the excavation team; the main site; Donella Rozario.
played an integral role in sharing this fascinating work with the wider public. With new discoveries being made almost daily, volunteer excavation guides have been at the forefront of new understandings and have inspired visitors to further explore this magical site. Photography volunteers have also been on site to capture the excitement of this project. Our volunteers Our volunteer excavation guides came from far and wide to be involved in the project. Some, such as Donella Rozario, live local to Birdoswald and were incredibly familiar with the site having previously volunteered as landscape guides. Donella explained why she found the dig so captivating: ‘I was really pleased to have the opportunity to be a tour guide for the excavations as they are such a new and exciting part of the development at Birdoswald. I have enjoyed meeting visitors from all parts of the UK who have been so interested in the excavations, many visiting just for that experience. It has been wonderful
to be involved in seeing the excavations develop each week and hear from the experts what has been found so far.’ For others, guiding was a new experience, and Birdoswald a whole new site. Jane and Les Gill had been caring for free-to-enter sites along Hadrian’s Wall in the capacity of monitor volunteers What an when they decided enjoyable to turn their hand to excavation experience guiding. ‘As we are we've had both great lovers of anything to do with history, when we received an email asking if we would like to volunteer to do guided tours of Birdoswald fort and the archaeological dig that is taking place there, we jumped at the chance. What
an enjoyable experience we have had. After a training session we were straight into the tours – a great chance to be able to work with the Birdoswald staff, the archaeologists and the students of Newcastle University. We have learned so much and hope that we will be able to continue the tours in some form after the dig has finished, as they have been very popular.’ Starting out, the potential for this dig was promising. Now, the opportunities going forward are equally as intriguing. So, if you happen to be in Northumberland before 2026, do make time to visit Birdoswald and discover this special place first-hand. ■
BE A PART OF IT Fancy getting your hands dirty? Find out how you can get involved at www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/birdoswald-roman-fort-hadrians-wall
english-heritage.org.uk 25
PROJECT PROFILE
KICKSTARTING a career in heritage
English Heritage has been pleased to take advantage of the government’s Kickstart opportunity. This initiative allows young people to take six months’ employment with us to give them a raft of valuable skills and experience. We hear from three of our placements. Antony Lee, community engagement assistant at Marble Hill, London
I
started my role in late May as a community engagement assistant. At the time of writing, I have been in employment for a month, and in such a short space of time I have undergone a whole variety of different events, work and experiences which have really enriched my own development and interests. I have partaken in the Conservation in Action van campaign, which celebrates the ways in which
English Heritage conserves its sites throughout the country. I have helped with a Discovery Visit, and helped out in the conservation of the house – this is not something which I initially thought I would be undertaking, but I am very glad and grateful to have had this experience. Future career options This experience will be invaluable as I have been asked to help create the first-
ever cohort of Marble Hill conservation volunteers. My background is in history through my degree, and so doing work in a heritage site (and actual hands-on work in the house) is the line of work that I have a real interest in for my future career options. I have also, thanks to the Kickstart scheme, had the opportunity to talk with an English Heritage mentor and gained opportunities to talk about a range of different career paths in English Heritage, from philanthropy to historians to curators and conservators (and I hope to talk to those in archive and archaeology roles too!). I had the incredible experience of travelling to Belsay Hall to meet Flora, who is doing a similar role, and also have a meeting with my mentor. Seeing how another site is run, and also seeing another site that is going through a similar project, has aided me in understanding more facets of English Heritage and the networks that come with such a big project. I’ve had so much exposure to such a variety of work and opportunities in just under a month, and I am looking forward to doing so much more and to meeting as many new faces as I can.
I have been asked to help create the first-ever cohort of Marble Hill conservation volunteers 26 english-heritage.org.uk
PROJECT PROFILE
Flora FitzPatrick Volunteer programme assistant at Belsay Hall, Northumberland
Suayip Zengin Volunteering and participation administration assistant at York
B
I
elsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is a rural English Heritage estate situated in Northumberland which houses a number of volunteering roles. On site our community engagement manager, Melanie, manages over 60 volunteers with my support. We have a variety of roles from plant sales, history research and tour guides to visitor welcome and photography. We recently introduced a new young heritage volunteer role which focuses on getting 16- to 18-year-olds involved in heritage work. A part of my job as volunteer programme assistant has been to induct these volunteers on site and support them on their journey with English Heritage, with a focus on the volunteers gaining experience for either university or future employment.
Empowerment I recently led a work experience week for a high school student in one of these new roles while my line manager was on annual leave. We liaised with the curatorial team on site and set up a project to log graffiti on the estate, and by the end of the week our volunteer could say they really achieved something during their time with us. It was great for me to be trusted with the responsibility of caring for and managing the volunteers for a week all on my own, and I am grateful for the opportunities from both English Heritage and my manager Melanie for allowing me to work independently and to get involved in different aspects of the site across many volunteering roles. A supportive environment So far, I have really been enjoying working at English Heritage on the Kickstart scheme. The organisation has been genuinely so supportive and made it clear they want us all to gain as much as we can out of this whole experience. I am hoping that I can continue my journey at English Heritage once the scheme is over.
am Suayip Zengin and my role is volunteering and participation administration assistant based in York. I have worked with English Heritage for over a month now and I can honestly say it is by far the best job I have ever had and I am enjoying every second of it. I have Zoom meetings pretty much every day I work, with people who are kind and helpful so I feel very grateful to be working with every single one of them.
I love my role and the people I get to work with
Feeling like part of a team My colleagues are continuously making sure that they are here to help by offering assistance if needed, as I am pretty new. I have been given tasks to be completed by myself which makes me feel a lot more confident and eager to be given more, as I truly enjoy every assignment I have been set. One of my recent tasks was to research websites which could help promote English Heritage and attract more volunteers. I also looked into how we could improve our social media accounts to encourage younger people to join, as they are the future. The tasks you are given all have deadlines but you get plenty of time to do them, which puts less pressure on you and helps to make sure you do everything correctly. Overall, I love my role and the people I get to work with and I understand why many of the people who work for English Heritage have been here for many years. ■
FIND OUT MORE For more information about careers at English Heritage visit our website at www.english-heritage.org.uk/about-us/jobs
english-heritage.org.uk 27
YO U R S TO R I E S
CARING FOR
OFFA'S DYKE Monitor volunteer Jonathan Cooke tells us why Offa’s Dyke is so important to him.
I
t all began when the Offa’s Dyke longdistance trail opened and I was still in school in Cardiff. I don’t remember why four of us decided to hike camp the walk and I had certainly had no idea of the impact that decision would have on me! But walk it we did. Using our Frank Noble guide, we began the trail just as Sir John Hunt was finishing his ‘opening’ walk so we must have been amongst the first groups to have completed it.
a house very near the earthwork. The move strengthened my interest in its history and our walks became more frequent. Then, last year, I heard of an opportunity I could not pass up – English Heritage were advertising for Offa’s Dyke monitor volunteers and I was delighted to accept their offer of appointment.
The role of a monitor Along with another volunteer, we Living near Offa's Dyke monitor the 3-mile section north of Living in Cardiff and then Bristol, I Tintern Quarry in Gloucestershire, kept a general interest in Offa’s which English Heritage manages. The Dyke, occasionally walking various footpath is well used as it provides a short sections, lovely walk with super views reading about it overlooking Tintern Abbey. Our Fifty years ago, and becoming main responsibility is walking I first walked the section on a regular basis a member of the Offa’s Dyke Offa’s Dyke; and reporting back to English Association. Heritage on any problems found now I am However, as I on the Dyke and footpath. The neared retirement, role also includes supporting helping to I was keen again to the programme of tree thinning, care for it tackle the whole monitoring fresh badger activity, trail. So, in August checking and cleaning signage 2011 my wife and I began the trail, and of course engaging with the walking the various parts during the public. One thing I was not expecting, school holidays, but this time staying however, was the amount of litter I have in accommodation. found. However, as this section is very I never intended to live so close to popular, sadly I expect my litter picker Offa’s Dyke, but following retirement to become even more active as we get in 2017, Offa called and we moved to fully into summer.
PLAN YOUR VISIT You can find out more about this free-to-enter site by visiting www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/offas-dyke
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Public engagement I began the monitoring last October, following my induction, and it was great to be able to get some exercise and fresh air while we were in lockdown. Despite starting in the winter with its wet and windy weather, I enjoyed every minute trudging through mud in my boots and gaiters! As spring turns into summer I have been rewarded with bird song, new green growth and wonderful views – a delightful accompaniment to the task. A very pleasing part of the role is interacting with the public, helping them to enjoy their visit. They range from serious walkers who are just starting out or nearing the end of the long-distance trail, to families out and about for a few hours enjoying a stroll. Questions I get asked are many and varied, from what is the history of the earthwork, how do we get down to Tintern, to how muddy is the path and what was I doing? I use
YO U R S TO R I E S
every opportunity I can to promote the Dyke and, of course, English Heritage’s role in preserving history’s special places. Despite the problems caused by the pandemic, English Heritage have been very supportive and we have been made to feel valued members of the team. It is most interesting being involved in site meetings and really rewarding to see issues we raised being addressed: it gives a real sense of a job well done. Fifty years ago, I first walked Offa’s Dyke; now I am helping to care for it. I realise that I only play a small part compared to many other people; however, I get great satisfaction from feeling that I am giving a little back for the lifetime of pleasure it has given me. If I can encourage others to learn, walk and care about the Dyke then I am well rewarded. Thank you, English Heritage, for this opportunity and of course, thank you, Offa. ■
Main image Jonathan admires the view across the valley Above Making sure the interpretation boards are kept clean enough to be read by visitors Right Keeping trails and paths free from litter, for visitors and wildlife to enjoy
english-heritage.org.uk 29
OUR HEROES
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OUR HEROES
GIVING THE WORLD ACCESS TO
HADRIAN'S WALL Sophie Hearn, territory volunteer manager in the North, tells us about a project to create a range of multilingual resources.
T
he pandemic brought a lot to a standstill but, for free-to-enter sites along Hadrian’s Wall, it gave some time to reflect on their visitor offer and begin to build something new. Hadrian’s Wall, synonymous with its iconic landscapes, ancient history and varied weather, stretches a total of 73 miles coast to coast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it once marked the edge of the Roman Empire and, in 2021, it inspired a new approach to volunteer participation. A new project In April, volunteers came together remotely to help pilot a new project along Hadrian’s Wall. Tasked with eventually creating a range of multilingual resources that can be used by international visitors to tell the story of the Wall, the volunteers started their valuable work by researching what multilingual materials were already in existence for visitors to use in this spectacular landscape. From walking leaflets, apps, books and audio guides, our volunteers carefully reviewed the current visitor offer and gave recommendations for improvement. ►
english-heritage.org.uk 31
OUR HEROES
Language skills up to be part of the second phase. This With the support of a project lead next phase will see volunteers working volunteer, 19 volunteers gave their in teams to translate material to input time and language skills to help pave into the resource they have designed. the way towards diversifying our Home-based working My ancestors visitor offer This exciting project has grown and creating might have built organically, and the volunteers a resource have been passionate about it; it is only fair achieving the end result. Every which will be accessible to I help to create stage of this programme has our international been designed so that volunteers something new can help from home – wherever audiences. The home may be. From Scotland volunteer team down to Cornwall, reaching across has now completed its initial research the Channel to France and sweeping phase, and many have already signed
through Spain, Italy, Austria and Egypt, the geographical distribution of individuals interested in helping on this programme encompassed the same areas that were once part of the Roman Empire. This is a new type of volunteering that, before the pandemic, we would probably never have envisioned. Hadrian’s Wall was built by people who had roots across Europe, and this translation project is an acknowledgement of that wonderful legacy. As one volunteer noted: ‘My ancestors might have built it; it is only fair I help to create something new.’ ■
GET INVOLVED Find out more about this home-based role at www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/ volunteer/hadrians-wall-translation-audit-volunteer
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OVER TO YOU A dedicated space for you.
IMAGES OF THE
SEASON
As summer drew to a close, we asked you to share the fantastic photos you have taken at the sites you have either volunteered at or visited. Here is just a selection of the wonderful photos we received via the English Heritage Volunteers’ Facebook page.
Kim Hyndes, Wrest Park
Andy Gloster, Kenilworth Castle
Lyn Lewis, Osborne
Jemma Braidwood Lewis, Bayham Old Abbey
John Barnes, Belsay Hall
Chloe Wilson, Conisbrough Castle
KEEPING YOU CONNECTED During the lockdown we launched our English Heritage Volunteers’ Facebook group as a space for you to connect with others. Over four hundred of you have joined and everyone's welcome to come and be part of the friendly conversation. JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP Sarah Few, Walmer Castle in spring
Log into www.facebook.com and search ‘English Heritage Volunteers’, click on ‘request’ to join the group. english-heritage.org.uk 33
OV E R TO YO U
TEA BREAK CROSSWORD Stonehenge volunteer David Tovey has created another crossword for us to enjoy.
This issue's question comes from community research volunteer Yasemin Altug and was answered by Steven Brindle, senior properties historian.
(Answers below)
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2
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7 8
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12 13 14
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16 18
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Across 1. Social gathering (5) 4. Treaties (5) 8. Protective equipment (7) 9. Drink to (5) 11. Be ill (4) 12. Surround (7) 14. Turn down (5) 16. Part of a boat (5) 20. Bareted (anagram) (7) 21. Box (4) 24. Worn by Bishops (5) 25. Overweight (7) 26. Quality (5) 27. Put on clothes (5)
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Down 2. Guardian ----- (5) 3. Story (4) 5. Moving about (8) 6. Fishing boat (7) 7. Guide/escort (5) 8. Insect (4) 10. Band of woven fabric (4) 13. Nimble (8) 15. Road encircling a city (7) 17. Cheese (4) 18. Besom (5) 19. Sound made by donkeys (4) 22. In twos (5) 23. Fruit (4)
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU Please send us your letters, photos, puzzles, quizzes, jokes or anything else you’d like to share. Email us at volunteerfocus@english-heritage.org.uk
34 english-heritage.org.uk
Having done some research, it says that the prisoner carvings at Carlisle Castle were actually done by bored guards and not actually the prisoners. Is this true? This arises from work I did on the Carlisle carvings some years ago. The point, essentially, is that the carvings are all in a lobby, which gives access to further rooms, which may have been used as cells, but do not have any carvings themselves. Furthermore, many of the carvings are heraldic emblems which belonged to leading Border families, notably the Dacres, Nevilles and Percys, and to Richard, Duke of Gloucester, the future Richard III. So they are expressions of loyalty and seem likely to have been made by retainers in the service of these families – and much less likely to have been made by prisoners.
Do you have a burning historical question you’d love to have answered? Send them in to us and we’ll ask the curator in the next edition.
Answers: Gainsborough Old Hall Quick Quiz (from page 19) 1 b) Medieval manor houses; 2 All answers are correct; 3 b) 59 steps Tea break crossword Across 1 Party; 4 Pacts; 8 Goggles; 9 Toast; 11 Ails; 12 Envelop; 14 Lower; 16 Stern; 20 Debater; 21 Spar; 24 Mitre; 25Obesity; 26 Class; 27 Dress. Down 2 Angel; 3 Tale; 5 Activity; 6 Trawler; 7 Usher; 8 Gnat; 10 Tape; 13 Deftness; 15 Orbital; 17 Edam; 18 Broom; 19 Bray; 22 Pairs; 23 Pear.
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Ask the curator
WHERE WILL YOU STAY THIS WINTER? Stay in the places where history happened www.english-heritage.org.uk/holidaycottages
10% OFF YOUR BOOKING*
ENTER YOUR VOLUNTEER DISCOUNT CODE
EHTVOL10
*Valid for stays as of the 1st November 2021 until 31st March 2022. Cannot be combined with any other offer. For the latest bookings and COVID-19 information, please visit our website. image: Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire. The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.
STONEHENGE
Volunteers play a vital role in caring for our gardens and outdoor spaces. The teams ensure that these places can be enjoyed by our visitors and wildlife.
AUDLEY END HOUSE AND GARDENS
THANK YOU STANTON DREW CIRCLES AND COVE KENILWORTH CASTLE AND ELIZABETHAN GARDEN
MARBLE HILL OFFA’S DYKE
BOSCOBEL HOUSE AND THE ROYAL OAK
BRODSWORTH HALL AND GARDENS
