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The Bronze Age (like its name suggests) was the 'Age of Bronze'. The development and use of Bronze varied throughout the world. In Britain the Bronze Age occurred between 2000 BC to 800 BC.
During the Early Bronze Age not many people possessed the knowledge, skills and resources to create bronze objects. Bronze production was rare and was used primarily for highly prized items. By the Late Bronze Age production was more widespread and commonly used for weapons and tools. What is Bronze? |
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Blue Bridge Round House
On the present day site of Blue Bridge, overlooking Bancroft Park stood an imposing round house. This building was part of a Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age farmstead and was home to the first permanent settlers of Milton Keynes. The size of the building is enormous, and would easily house a large extended family or a small community. It is the largest Bronze Age Round House yet to have been found in Britain and is likely to have been associated with a wealthy or powerful group of people. |
Reconstruction of the Blue Bridge Round House Explore the above picture and click on the wall to find out more! |
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In England and Wales round Houses are typically constructed from wood. Because wood decomposes easily the structure of the round house is interpreted from the post holes that once held the timber frame. | |||||
Explore picture above to find out more! |
Daily Life Farming Cattle, sheep, goats and pigs were reared at Blue Bridge. Deer bones were also found - indicating that hunting was still important. There is also evidence for wheat cultivation. The surrounding landscape was probably wooded or covered in scrub and bushes rather than open pastures suitable for grazing stock - suggesting that farming was not intensive. Technology Entertainment and Fashion |
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The Milton Keynes Torcs During the late Bronze Age there is more evidence of elite activity in other parts of Milton Keynes. A bronze sword was thrown into the River Ouse possibly as an act of commemoration or as a religious offering. Deposits of gold were also hidden in the ground including a rare gold bracelet and a hoard of jewellery that is one of the biggest concentrations of Bronze Age gold known from Britain. The jewellery hoard included two torcs (necklaces) and three bracelets. To see the replica torcs and learn more about the Bronze Age visit Milton Keynes Museum or view their website. |
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