Grayhill Medieval Village – Restoration Project

Alice Hancock

9 years ago

The Grayhill project is based in a re-created medieval village near Chepstow in Monmouthshire. The village has been in the process of being restored and re-built by the host organisation (Grayhill Conservation and Interpretation Group) since the mid-1980s. The site hosts a collection of archaeological features, including multiple standing stones, a stone circle and an array of prehistoric cairns. The village is situated in a stunning location in south east Wales with access to magnificent viewpoints.

A full list of significant artifacts / sites within the area can be found here.

The camp covers three weeks. The last week will be the living history activity with local schools. A variety of skills from dyeing wool to cooking, haymaking to charcoal burning will be shown.

Start Date: 18 Jun 2016

End Date: 09 Jul 2016

Type of Work: Re-building roofs for a historical dairy and well house in oak timbers and stone slate. In the last week the site will be holding its annual Living History display for schools. Around 50 volunteer experts in period costume will demonstrate the typical lifestyle from the medieval period. Volunteers taking part will be supplied with period costume and work with a small group of experts at one of the activities.

Study Theme: Conservation work. Renovation of the entire 15.5 acre (6.2 hectare) site to its late 16th early 17th-century condition began in 1987. There are 30 fields in the 15 acres which have been returned to their historical land uses, hay meadows, pasture, woodland, arable gardens, and orchards.

Accommodation: PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FACILITIES ARE VERY BASIC. You will be living in tents (sleeping bag required) and cooking will be done over open fires.Tents will be provided. There are no showers on site, however, visits will be organised to the local swimming pool where there is a shower option. Composting toilets are on site. THERE IS NO PIPED WATER OR MODERN FACILITIES ON THE SITE. Hot water is limited.

Camp Language: English

Approximate Location: Monmouthshire. Grayhill Farm is in an isolated location, not close to major towns or cities.

Notes: Volunteers can experience the life of the late Tudor or early Stuart Period in Monmouthshire.

VISAS: You will need to acquire a visa before you travel to Britain to volunteer, if you are not a British citizen or a citizen of one of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries. To find out more go to https://www.gov.uk/tier-5-temporary-worker-charity-worker-visa

Organization Description: “Small groups of people can make changes that very genuinely affect people’s lives.” Volunteering through IVSGB can impact on the lives of volunteers themselves and those they help and support. We are the British Branch of SCI with over 80 years’ experience placing volunteers in the UK and internationally.

Apply Now:

To apply please visit: https://www.workcamps.info/icamps/UK-IVS/en/camp-details/camp-10132.html