Woodlore’s fundamental instructor Dan Hume shares his thoughts of Woodlore’s latest Flint Knapping courses:

Woodlore recently ran two flint knapping courses in the beautiful Sussex countryside. Guided through the skills by expert Will Lord, the weekend was based on the fascinating ‘Amesbury Archer‘, and during the course we replicated some of the tools and other items found surrounding his burial site.

Prehistoric tools of the trade

Arrows, spearheads, scrapers and other items were knapped from the finest quality Suffolk flint; we even replicated the Amesbury Archer’s copper dagger by smelting raw malachite in a clay furnace.

The group create their own replica of the Amesbury Archer’s copper dagger

Early one morning, I skinned and butchered a deer with flint tools to demonstrate the effectiveness of the blades, and to ensure we had a tasty supply of venison to accompany the sounds of breaking flint!

Dan sets to work on the deer using traditional flint tools

It really was a fun and insightful weekend and everyone left with something, be it a material item or simply an increased knowledge and respect for our ancestors.

Woodlore’s specialist instructor and flint knapping expert Will Lord (photo by Toby Stevens)

If you are interested in joining us next year as we explore some of the skills of prehistoric Britain then take a look at our website for available dates.

– Dan Hume