Welcome to Blackden
Blackden is a unique piece of living history. It continues to be the home and inspiration of author Alan Garner. Artists, writers and musicians create their own magic here and our eclectic collection of prehistoric flints, pottery through the ages and written records stimulates archaeological and historical research that will inform curious minds of the future.
Rare gooseberry cultivars, medicinal herbs and the discovery of objects and signs reputed to ward off evil all add to Blackden’s texture and mystery. New findings continue to present themselves, to educate, to fascinate and stir debate.
We welcome visitors of all ages for educational purposes, special interest days, creative workshops, music and merriment. We would love you to be part of the next chapter of discovery at this special place.
What could this be?
Click to reveal
This is a Labyrinth!
See if you can find it at Blackden when you visit us
A place of collective discovery
We organise events suitable for all ages. There are conducted tours, day courses, workshops, open days and longer events, sessions with artifacts and documents,
with the fabric of buildings, or out in the field. Our activities draw on the history of Blackden, and each one gives you a window on a different
aspect of the past. Learn how to knap flint, make your own sixteenth century herbal medicine, or listen to medieval music in the Old Medicine House.
Our courses have something for everyone with an interest in the past.
A place of collective discovery
We organise events suitable for all ages. There are conducted tours, day courses, workshops, open days and longer events, sessions with artifacts and documents,
with the fabric of buildings, or out in the field. Our activities draw on the history of Blackden, and each one gives you a window on a different
aspect of the past. Learn how to knap flint, make your own sixteenth century herbal medicine, or listen to medieval music in the Old Medicine House.
Our courses have something for everyone with an interest in the past.
A place of extraordinary things
Working at Blackden brings you into contact with prehistoric flints from the garden and nearby fields, pottery and metalwork, lost and scattered across
the centuries, and the two timber-frame buildings themselves, all an enduring record of the changing face of Blackden over the past ten thousand years. During
our courses, you will have access to our archive of original documents: maps, architectural drawings, and photographs, and the results of our continuing research.
On some courses you will be working with unsorted material, which will give you the opportunity to add your own discoveries to the records of the Trust.
A place of extraordinary things
Working at Blackden brings you into contact with prehistoric flints from the garden and nearby fields, pottery and metalwork, lost and scattered across
the centuries, and the two timber-frame buildings themselves, all an enduring record of the changing face of Blackden over the past ten thousand years. During
our courses, you will have access to our archive of original documents: maps, architectural drawings, and photographs, and the results of our continuing research.
On some courses you will be working with unsorted material, which will give you the opportunity to add your own discoveries to the records of the Trust.
The Friends of the Blackden Trust, an independent organisation, sustains the Trust in many ways. Raising funds through membership and events,
the Friends make a significant contribution to the care, upkeep and development of this historic site. Click here for more information.
The expertise of academics from universities across the country, the knowledge of local specialists, the enthusiasm of Friends of the Blackden Trust and the
help of volunteers - all contribute to our research and teaching. This remarkable mix of people create the Fellowship of Blackden and give study here
a wider relevance. The focus may be local, but there are always broader connections to be made - connections that resonate through time and across the globe.
Would you like to get involved?
There are lots of ways to become a part of our history. You can book one of our tours, make a donation or even join the Friends of Blackden.
Contact us to find out more