Saxon Saga: Living History & Fire Festival

Travel back in time 1000 years to discover our Saxon stories

Our autumn festival of Saxon craft, food, storytelling and fire. Discover weaving, smithing, spinning and dyeing with reenactors Herigeas Hundas, and Saxon flavours from Jane's Historical Kitchen. Beowulf performed in three parts throughout the day, culminating at dusk as a handcrafted Saxon ship is set alight against the darkening sky.

What happens on the day

The house, barn and gardens open at 1.30pm. Most activities run until around 6pm, when everyone gathers for the fire.

Herigeas Hundas make themselves at home across West Horsley Place, with weavers, smiths, spinners and dyers working as they would have a thousand years ago. Watch combat and archery displays, sample authentic Saxon tasters from Jane’s Historical Kitchen, and, for those wanting to delve deeper, enjoy a programme of talks in the barn throughout the afternoon.

Have a go, free with your ticket

Weaving on a warp-weighted loom: Early Saxon cloth was woven upright on a loom weighted with stones. Two looms are set up and waiting for you.

Spinning yarn: Every Saxon textile, from leg wraps to war coats, began as hand-spun wool. Take a spindle and a handful of fleece and see what you can make of it.

For children

• The Saxon Games Tent
• Paint a Saxon
• A Saxon storyteller in the Library
• Join in a Saxon Shield Wall Drill

• Plant dyeing: dye a T-shirt with indigo and wear it home
• Saxon Smithing: Mjölnir Pendant
• Drum making

These workshops must be booked in advance. 

The fire

Beowulf is told in three parts throughout the afternoon, culminating at dusk as a hand-built Saxon ship is set alight by flaming arrows against the darkening sky.