The Stour Valley Project started during the Coronovirus lockdown in 2020. Several Museum members expressed an interest in looking at how the River Stour had influenced the development of Blandford and other local settlements. What impact did the river have on the shape of settlements, transport, industry, agriculture, fishing and hunting, domestic life and culture and spiritual beliefs? How have the river and its natural history have been changed by the people who lived here? The Project will investigate these questions, informed by geological, archaeological, and historical sources. The work is still in its early stages, but we are looking at several outputs, including a series of talks, a blog on new discoveries, an exhibition, various artistic endeavours and possibly, if we can find the evidence, the reconstruction of boats and landing points on the river. We also hope our findings will influence future archaeological digs.
As part of the Stour Valley Project, the group is creating a large-scale embroidery inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry. The Stour Valley Sampler explores the role of Medieval women set against the background of the River Stour and local settlements, as they were in the Middle Ages. Its border displays some of the plants that would have been have used for culinary and medicinal purposes, and both wild and domestic animals in the local area.
Each member of the group is pursuing his or her particular area of interest and we are weaving these together. If you would like to join us, please contact joy.e.reynolds@gmail.com
Please click here to see all of the Stour Valley Project News and Blog articles.