Let's build a roundhouse! Free courses for adults

'Let's build a roundhouse!' is a series of free courses made possible by a partnership with City College Peterborough and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority.

From September 2024 to March 2025, we invite you to join our exciting project to build a new Bronze Age roundhouse and learn some valuable construction skills. The courses are open to adults aged 19 and above

Whether you’re interested in learning new skills, pursuing a hobby, or simply looking to participate in an engaging, community-focused project, this is the perfect opportunity. No prior experience is necessary, and participants can choose to focus on specific skills or commit to the full roundhouse build. The project also accentuates teamwork, historical preservation, and practical learning that will provide participants with lasting knowledge and experience. It's FREE to be part of the project!

You don't have to commit to the full project, the idea of the courses is that you can choose from the individual skills listed below:

Traditional Woodworking

Duration: Sep - Oct 2024
Course days: Mondays and Fridays, 10am to 1pm
Price: FREE
Includes: Measuring, cutting, and installing wooden elements like the door frame and rafters. Participants will use traditional tools and techniques in line with historical methods.

Traditional Willow Wattle

Duration: Oct 2024
Course days: Mondays and Fridays, 10am to 1pm
Price: FREE
Includes: Weaving willow and hazel rods to create the walls of the roundhouse. It’s a hands-on experience in the ancient craft of wattle construction.

Traditional Roof Structures

Duration: Sep - Oct 2024
Course days: Mondays and Fridays, 10am to 1pm
Price: FREE
Includes: Installing rafters and securing them with purlins to create a stable roof structure. We'll explore historical engineering methods in constructing roofs using locally sourced materials.

Traditional Thatching

Duration: Oct 2024- Feb 2025 (Start date TBC)
Course days: Mondays and Fridays, 10am to 1pm
Price: FREE
Includes: This part covers the use of natural materials like water reed to thatch the roof. Participants will learn layering techniques and the practical skills required to thatch effectively.

Wall Daubing

Duration: Feb - Mar 2025
Course days: Mondays and Fridays, 10am to 1pm
Price: FREE
Includes: The process of mixing and applying traditional daub (a mix of soil, clay, straw, and animal poo) to the walls for weatherproofing and insulation. It's a messy but rewarding task that again offers insights into historical construction methods.

Interested?

Contact us to find out more about the courses and sign up. Email: david.savory@peterboroughlimited.co.uk

FAQ's

Who can take part?

The courses are open to adults aged 19 and above

When are the courses?

September 2024 - March 2025, Monday and Fridays 10am - 1pm.

How much is it?

The courses are FREE to join.

Why should I join?

This is an amazing chance for adult learners to engage with history, develop new skills, and contribute to preserving an important piece of heritage. At the end of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion to recognise their involvement and the skills they have learned.

Do I need to commit to every session?

There isn’t a strict minimum commitment, but we do encourage participants to attend regularly to gain the full experience and contribute meaningfully to the build.