In Prep III we have we have been continuing our history study of Invaders and Settlers by finding out about the Anglo Saxons. One important source of evidence is Saxon graves, which were filled with objects they believed would be needed in the afterlife.
In 1939, one of the most exciting Saxon graves was discovered by archaeologists at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, following reports that local people had seen ghostly Saxon warriors. Among the many artefacts dug up was a helmet. Experts carefully pieced it together, and many believed it had belonged to King Redwald who died in the year 625. It was made from iron and copper, and contained four thousand garnet stones. It is a haunting and eerie piece of history.
Having looked closely at the helmet, we have tried to make our own, with a red-eyed snake stretching down the front, golden eyebrows, a toothbrush moustache and cheek flaps. As you can see from the pictures, we look just as scary as the Great King Redwald at the head of a Saxon army…
If you visit London, visit the British Museum to see the helmet and all the other Sutton Hoo treasure….
In Literacy, we imagined the stories the helmet could tell. Here are some extracts from our poems:
If this rusted ancient bronze helmet could speak, it would tell stories of…
Huge wooden ships which followed the stars, sun and moon and sailed from Germany. Thomas
Intriguing glittering jewellery which rich Saxons wore at festivals and feasts. Hari
Vicious battle where men fought with mighty swords. Thomas
Of minstrels who sang merrily with a lyre and skipped along telling stories of Saxon victories. Thea
Amazing feasts which made friends go home drunkenly. Jaydon
And a mysterious king who led all the troops. Mattheo
I wish I could do it but I was at the athletics but they’re really good
They all look amazing.
The children who did not to the athletics did a fine job!I wish i could do that to!
do you know the real helmet was broken
it was so fun
😀
i loved making the stone helmets it was so fun
we made helmets are they good?
it was fun and can you see the snake on four head
It was really fun doing the maskes