The Vindolanda tablets, written by Roman soldiers based near Hadrian’s Wall in the first and second centuries AD, offer precious glimpses into military life in Roman Britain. Their contents have had powerful effects on our understanding of the Roman army and of early Britain. Yet physically they are small, fragile objects that look as though they could not possibly have survived even their first use, let alone two thousand years of neglect afterwards. Yes, the Romans were great builders – but how did they make tablets like these?

In this workshop participants will learn the different techniques involved in creating a Vindolanda tablet. Using only replicas of tools and materials available in Roman Britain, and with the option of dressing like Romans to experience working in ancient-style clothing, they will:

·  make Roman ink from charcoal, gum Arabic, and water,

· make Roman pens from locally sourced plants,

· make wooden tablets and treat them with beeswax,

· compose (in English or Latin) letters like those on the Vindolanda tablets,

· learn how to read the script (handwriting) used at Vindolanda,

· learn how to write in that script,

· write their letters on their tablets in the ancient script using their Roman pens and ink,

· score, fold and seal their letters if desired (or leave them open to be admired!).

Participants will be able to take home the tablets and pens they have made, as well as the skills to make more and teach others to do so. No prior knowledge is necessary, though the dexterity to use a sharp knife safely is essential. Please wear clothes that can cope if you get ink on them: Roman ink does not wash out easily. Although the workshop is designed for adults, youngsters aged twelve to eighteen are welcome as long as they book together with an adult who assumes responsibility for their safety.

 
The workshop will be held in the reconstructed Roman villa at Butser Ancient Farm: the workshop fee includes admission to the farm and all materials as well as use of costumes. The farm remains open for an hour after the end of the workshop, allowing time for participants to explore its other buildings and offerings. There will be a lunch break; food is not included, but sandwiches, snacks and hot and cold beverages can be purchased at the farm gift shop. Participants are also welcome to bring their own food and picnic in Butser’s Roman garden or elsewhere on the farm. The weekend’s two workshops (curses and Vindolanda tablets) can be combined for a reduced admission fee and (for an extra charge and subject to space limitations) with a Roman dinner made by food historian Sally Grainger and a sleepover in the Roman villa.

The workshop will be run by Dr Marigold Norbye of University College London and Professor Eleanor Dickey FBA of the University of Reading. Marigold is an expert in ancient scripts; she was educated at Cambridge and UCL and has taught palaeography (ancient writing) for the past two decades both at UCL and at the London International Palaeography School. Eleanor has published numerous books about the ancient world and its surviving documents and has previously taught at Columbia University in New York, the University of Ottawa in Canada, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Sorbonne University in Paris, Leiden University, and the University of Exeter.

In the summer of 2025 Marigold and Eleanor conducted experiments at Butser Ancient Farm into the reconstruction of Vindolanda tablets and ran a prototype of this workshop, about which a participant remarked, ‘I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding Vindolanda Tablets Workshop held on 31 August. It was, without doubt, one of the most remarkable learning experiences I have ever attended. The teaching on the process of manufacturing replicas of the Vindolanda tablets was simply sensational — I had never seen anything like it. The palaeography component was equally impressive, combining technical expertise with clarity, and the philological analysis of the letter patterns was both fascinating and extremely useful for understanding the ancient texts.’

This workshop is offered in partnership with the Reading Ancient Schoolroom, an educational charity started at the University of Reading in 2014 with the aim of bringing Roman schools to life and sharing them with today’s children. The Ancient Schoolroom will be in residence at Butser’s Roman villa from 19-25 August 2026, offering a range of workshops and drop-in activities.

This workshop can be combined with the Curse tablets workshop on 22nd August for £130 (£160 including transport from and to Petersfield). For the night between the two workshops it is possible to book ancient-style overnight accommodation in the Roman villa or elsewhere on Butser’s site for £50 and a Roman dinner for £80 (including transport). Places at the Roman dinner are limited. It is also possible to stay overnight at the Hampshire Hog (a 20-minute walk or 3-minute drive away), the Sustainability Centre (a 90-minute walk or 10-minute drive away), or elsewhere in the area, making your own arrangements.

If you have any mobility concerns, special requirements, questions about the overnight stay, or other practical questions, please contact admin@butserancientfarm.co.uk. For questions about workshop content or the Roman dinner, please contact the Reading Ancient Schoolroom at E.Dickey@reading.ac.uk.