Bronze Sword Casting Workshop

The Course

The first swords in Europe were made of bronze. They are an iconic development in the human story as social pressure led to tension between groups and individuals. Swords were as much a tool of fighting as they were status symbols. During the workshop, participants will cast a replica of a late Bronze Age Ewart Park sword. These were made and used from 3000-2700 BP, and have been found across Britain and occasionally further afield. With many different types of late Bronze Age sword in circulation at this time, the Ewart Park is very much a ‘British’ style.

Workshop students will prepare their own mould, before working the leather bellows on the charcoal fuelled furnace to melt bronze. They will then cast the liquid metal into their prepared moulds to produce a replica bronze age sword to take home at the end of the day. Students can then begin filing off the casting flash and start cleaning the surfaces of the sword. The workshop also includes a brief talk to contextualise the Bronze Age and swords at the time. Handle making kits will be available to purchase at the end of the workshop.

Participant Information:

We have a heater in the workshop for winter events but for your own comfort please bring warm clothing in case it’s a particularly cold day. Participants must wear a long sleeve top and long trousers and closed shoes, regardless of weather, to protect themselves while casting. Once you sign up to the workshop you will receive full details and directions to the workshop.

Fee & Refreshments:

Our pricing includes tuition, materials, teas and coffees. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements. Our workshop is situated next to a pub that may be able to provide lunch if you call in advance or you may wish to bring a packed lunch.