Just back from Northumberland and a visit to the new Anglo Saxon Museum, Ad Gefrin, in Wooler. A custom built, beautifully laid out museum inspired by the excavations at Yeavering, only a few miles away, which was the site of the royal palaces of the 7th century Kings and Queens of Northumbria. The museum’s magnificent Great Hall is a reimagining of the court – and the lives, stories and personalities of the people of the time are acted out and brought to life through a stunning film which shows continuously on the whole of one wall. The museum also showcases some of the finest examples of the creativity, artisanship and culture of the age with artefacts on loan from the British Museum and other sources, together with pieces from Yeavering itself.  Excellent wall mounted panels explain the beliefs and history of this ‘Golden Age’.

Further excavations at Yeavering will begin in the Autumn and the museum will continue to update visitors on progress.

There were well informed and hugely enthusiastic staff on hand to answer questions and a lovely cafe, too. Altogether a rewarding and very enlightening visit. Here are a few pictures to whet the appetite.