Archaeologists bring the Bronze Age to life at Beam Park
Residents of Beam Park have been digging into the history of their area - with the help of some archaeologists.
Experts from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) came to lead an educational session at the emerging neighbourhood in Barking and Dagenham and Havering.
The workshop focussed on the Bronze Age, a period that saw a new influx of people - known as the Beaker people thanks to their distinctive, bell-shaped pottery - migrate from Europe into England.
Activities included 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 really fun, and I had a great time being able to be creative. I really enjoyed helping the little ones with the pottery and I actually 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 that tools were made.
MOLA archaeologists have found Beaker pottery in Barking and Dagenham, while other experts have previously also found evidence of Beaker people in the area, unearthing a yew tree that had been chopped with a metal axe around 4,300 years ago.
According to the experts, this may have been an abandoned attempt at making a boat – or just someone practicing their wood-working technique.
The session was organised by housing association L&Q, who along with their partner Countryside are delivering at least 3,000 homes at Beam Park. The 72-acre regeneration is successfully transforming the derelict site of a former Ford manufacturing plant into a new and vibrant destination, in partnership with landowner the Mayor of London.
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 are looking forward to chatting with them and their families again soon.”
Sharan Ansong, L&Q’s Community Development Lead said:
“Beam Park is one of London’s most exciting new places, and we’re proud to be delivering beautiful new homes alongside extensive community facilities and green spaces here.
“It was great to see residents getting involved in this 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 in the autumn to host another workshop focusing on the old Ford factory at the heart of the Beam Park development.
L&Q will be delivering a collection of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom shared ownership homes providing a great opportunity for first-time buyers, including 50% affordable housing at Beam Park.