Exactly why the early Anglo-Saxons crossed from their northern European homelands to settle here is uncertain. They probably came to this site from the south-east, attracted by a landscape that had been managed by Romano-British farmers for centuries.

When they first built their houses and halls they may have called their village Stow (which means 'special place'). These first Anglo-Saxons grew crops, raised pigs, sheep and cattle and were largely self-sufficient.They were not Christians and were buried with their possessions, ready for the next world, in a cemetery close to the village.

Above : Dr Stanley West supervises the excavation

Archaeology has provided most of the information we have, and the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village Trust has attempted to explore some of the problems raised by practical experiment in the form of reconstructions. The first of these were carried out by a group of Cambridge students, but the work has been continued by West Stow staff.

Each reconstruction tests different ideas. Wherever possible, tools and techniques available to the Anglo-Saxons have been used. Oak timbers and planks have been shaped by hand, mainly using axes. The thatch for the roofs is tied on, as there is no evidence for metal fixings at West Stow.

Since the wood has rotted away, archaeologists can only find clues in the sand to tell them what the original settlement was like. Some vital evidence does exist in the form of two houses burned down in Anglo-Saxon times, the charred timbers from which have survived. The reconstruction team has used all the available evidence to form new ideas on what the West Stow buildings looked like. It is suggested that the Anglo-Saxons did not live in the pits found on these sites, but on a wooden floor resting over the pit. The reconstructions help to test old and new ideas and provide a chance for visitors to step into the past.

Above : Alan Armer hewing a wall Plank for a partly reconstructed house

The Anglo-Saxon Village is brought to life in a number of ways. Taped audio-guides help conjure up the sounds of the past as visitors explore the reconstructions. Animals and crops in the small farm project emphasise the farming core of Anglo-Saxon life at West Stow. Special events in the Village often feature people in costume, to remind us of those that once lived here. Craft demonstrations and courses encourage an understanding of Anglo-Saxon technology, as well as providing enjoyable activities.

The reconstructed Anglo-Saxon Village is unique. it has an important role to play in presenting the way of life of these 'First English' to people of all ages and backgrounds. The Friends of West Stow is a group of volunteers who help to achieve this special task.