Children uncover past in Redesdale heritage project
Youngsters from Tyneside have been exploring the history and heritage of a Northumberland valley. Tony Henderson reports
Youngsters from challenged urban areas on Tyneside have worked with archaeologists to learn about and explore a historic site in Northumberland.
Participants as young as seven from Walker and Cowgate in Newcastle, and also Otterburn in Northumberland, took part in the project focussing on the history and heritage of the Redesdale valley.
The Making History venture has been led by Northumbria University researcher Henry Collingham, who has worked alongside the Redesdale Archaeology Group (RAG) and youth groups: Kids Kabin in Newcastle and North Tyne Youth in Northumberland.
Over the past year the project has involved hands-on activities including digging with RAG at Bremenium Roman fort and creative workshops exploring ways young people can be more involved in history and heritage.
Bremenium was one of the last forts north of Hadrian’s Wall to remain occupied. It was one of the forts along Dere Street and positioned to defend this main supply and transit route to the north from York.
Its garrisons over the years ranged from 500 to 1,000 strong. The fort is now part of the village green of Rochester, but there are still visible remains.
The young project participants created ceramics, woodwork, and artworks exploring how they share ways of working with the archaeologists.
Kids Kabin and North Tyne Youth also helped researchers develop new AI-powered technologies to share their creative work with each other despite the geographical distance between them. They built cameras, printers, and displays to send messages between the groups about items they made, and what the archaeologists uncovered.
This work came together in a new set of furniture for the Roundhouse Museum at Rochester, designed and built by the young people. These three furniture pieces include hand-carvings from the children depicting things they have discovered as part of the project and will be on permanent display.
Some of these technologies have been installed at Rochester Relish café so the public can learn more about the collaboration. These will be on display until the end of the year.
Café owner Tommy Clarke said: “The Redesdale valley is steeped in history. We have been honoured to take part, help unearth the treasures held within the valley, and introduce them to the next generation.”
Henry, who is a senior research fellow in design at Northumbria University, said:
“This project grew from a shared philosophy of Agelessness – focusing on what people have in common rather than what divides them by age.
“We have challenged traditional age barriers and created meaningful intergenerational relationships – and the connections which have formed as a result have been extraordinary.
“Through the Making History project, we have been able to create a heritage space that truly belongs to everyone.”
The project has pioneered new approaches to heritage involvement, moving away from traditional teaching methods towards child-led and play-based learning.
Annette Pantall, Redesdale Archaeology Group outreach coordinator, said: “Making History has provided a great opportunity for the young people to learn about the fascinating 2,000-year history of this remote area through hands-on exploration of the site and creativity, as well as through the modern technology of metal detecting.
“I was very impressed by their energy, exuberance and curiosity about Roman archaeology.”
Will Benson, chief officer of Kids Kabin, said: “Making History has brought some brilliant new opportunities to young people living in Walker and Cowgate in Newcastle – experiences they would never have otherwise had.
“They have found Roman pottery digging with archaeologists, explored new technology and AI with university experts, and worked alongside young people from rural Northumberland on a variety of fun and creative projects.”
Catherine Coats, director of North Tyne Youth, said: “Through this creative project, young people from North Tyne Youth formed new connections with Kids Kabin, explored their local archaeological heritage, and engaged with technology and interpretation.
“The rare opportunity to visit dig sites, hear stories from artefact finders, and transform ideas into physical creations has inspired ongoing curiosity about their area’s history.”