More than 30 Beam Park residents attended our Bronze Age workshop last week with the Museum of London Archaeology.

Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) led a session at our development in Havering and Barking & Dagenham, to speak to residents about the history of their area.

The workshop focussed on the Bronze Age, a period that saw a new influx of people – known as Beaker people, thanks to their distinctive bell-shaped pottery - who migrated from Europe into England.

Residents took part in making pottery in the style of the Beaker people and building models of the roundhouse homes they lived in. It was also a great chance for locals to get to know each other and make new friends.


Thirteen-year-old Jorja Dines, who took part, said:

“It was fun, I had a great time being creative. I really enjoyed helping the little ones with the pottery and I learnt a lot as well. Everyone there was really kind.

“It was almost like a history lesson except it was fun and we were allowed to make a mess! It really made me think differently about Beam Park and the area around me.”


As well as pottery, the Beaker people also brought their metalworking skills to England, which revolutionised the way England made their tools.


Dr Sadie Watson of MOLA said:

“We were really pleased to hear how interested the young people at Beam Park were in the history and archaeology of their area, and we look forward to chatting with them and their families again soon.”


Sharan Ansong, L&Q’s business lead at Beam Park, added:

“It was great to see residents getting involved in the workshop and learning more about the history of their area. MOLA did such a great job of bringing the subject to life and we can’t wait to work with them again.”


MOLA will return this autumn to host another workshop, the old Ford factory at the heart of the Beam Park development.