Grayhill Living History Camp

Camp code: UK-IVS 03

Description

The Grayhill project is based in a recreated medieval village near Chepstow in Monmouthsire. The village has been in the process of being restored and rebuilt by the host project (Grayhill Conservation and Interpretation Group) since the mid-1980s.

Renovation of the entire 15.5 acre site to its late 16th early 17th century condition began in 1987. There are 30 fields in the 15 acres which have been returned to their historical land uses, hay meadows, pasture, woodland, arable, gardens and orchards.

Study theme

English history of common people before 1660.

Type of Work

The camp covers three weeks and involves in the first two weeks the restoration of an early 17th century agricultural landscape as an educational resource. This year the main tasks will be completing the construction of a wood store and repairing gates (mostly carpentry work) plus preparation work for the Living History event such as path clearance.

In the third and last week the site will be holding its annual Living History display for schools. Around 40 volunteer experts in period costume will demonstrate life in the English countryside in 1599. A variety of skills from dyeing to cooking, haymaking to charcoal burning will be shown. Volunteers taking part in this week will be supplied with period costumes and work with a small group of English experts at one of the activities.

Accommodation and meals:

Facilities are very basic – there are no showers on site, you will be living in tents, and cooking will be done over open fires. Composting toilets are on site. Visits will be organised to the local swimming pool where there is a shower option. There is no piped water or modern facilities on the site and hot water is limited.

Location and leisure

The camp is located 5 miles from Chepstow (Monmouthshire) in Wales.
Swimming trips will be organised, and volunteers can play bowls in the garden.

Requirements

All foreign nationals travelling to the UK need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You cannot enter the UK without it. Please check the following link on how to apply for it: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

About the Organisation

Small groups of people can make changes that very genuinely affect people's lives. Volunteering through IVS can impact on the lives of volunteers themselves and those they help and support. We are the British Branch of SCI with over 80 years’ experience placing volunteers in the UK and internationally.