Loan Boxes

Our handling collections have been developed by the Heart of Exmoor Project and are full of reproduction objects perfect for bringing the past to life. Each box dates from a different period of British prehistory, from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. All boxes include:

• A wicker basket or box that holds all items;
• Replica objects from the period in question:
  • Mesolithic items include a deer skin, flint tools, bone tools and hazelnut shells;
  • Bronze Age items include pottery, flint objects, axe heads, loom weights, horn spoons, beads, animal skins and bone tools;
  • Iron Age items include clothes, pottery, coins, a beaker, loom weights, iron smelting remains and an iron currency bar;
  • Extra items are available upon request (including a Bronze Age hafted axe).
• Resources such as laminated reconstruction drawings and aerial photographs to investigate;
• An information book describing each item in the box (including how it relates to Exmoor's history) and gives suggested activities.

Additionally, we can help bring the wool industry to life, with drop spindles, carders and raw wool available to borrow. Spindles were used from the Neolithic (first farmers) until the industrial revolution when machines took over.

Anyone can borrow these handling collections – they have been taken to schools, local history talks, workplaces, conferences, family fun days, re-enactment events and more. Loan periods are up to two weeks and the boxes are free to borrow! Contact the Pinkery Centre to book any of the boxes and collect them from our offices at Exmoor House, Dulverton.