Immerse yourself in the world of maille, an armour as strong as metal but as flexible as cloth. It has protected its wearers across the world for over two millennia, and is still in use today! Guided by two experienced maille-makers, learn to make your own piece of history to take away with you. Craft a bracelet, a demonstration patch, and five links of riveted maille to gain hands-on experience of various methods. Wear a maille top to understand the material, learn to produce butted maille, rivetted maille, and anneal links in the fire. Beginners welcome. Please note that strong hands are needed for the technical work.
About the workshop
One-day workshop, 10am - 3.45pm with a short break for lunch
Learn to produce the popular European 4 in 1 weave of butted maille using hand spun links
Discover rivetted maille: use a full range of authentic tools to spin, clip, punch and rivet maille
Prepare links and help to anneal them in a fire
Craft in a small group, supported by 2 experienced maille makers
Incorporate links of differing metals - take away your finished pieces in a small pouch
See some of the possibilities of combining weaves to produce jewellery or small sculptures
Set in the unique and atmospheric surroundings of Butser Ancient Farm’s historic buildings
Josh Ward-Penny is a local historical reenactor who features on the Red List for Heritage Crafts in the UK. An experienced teacher with a degree in Ancient History, Josh can regularly be found leading school groups in practical historical learning across our site.
Included in your ticket
Entrance to the farm, a day’s tuition and expertise, and use of all the tools and materials necessary to create a bracelet, a demonstration patch, and 5 links of riveted maille, with a pouch to take them away in.
Workshop Info
Please wear sensible clothing and footwear for this workshop. Lunch is not included, although sandwiches (subject to availability), hot and cold drinks, and snacks are sold in our gift shop. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic if you prefer!
This workshop is for 18+ (or 16+ if accompanied by an adult) - strong hands are needed for opening and closing of rings.