Press Releases

First ever medieval sleepover at St Fagans National Museum of History

Ysgol Santes Dwynwen School from Newborough, Anglesey have become the first ever school to experience a sleepover with a difference at Llys Llywelyn, a recreation of a medieval prince’s hall at St Fagans National Museum of History.

Llys Llywelyn, a reconstruction of a court of the Princes of Gwynedd, is based on two of the buildings excavated at Llys Rhosyr on Anglesey, north Wales, supported by architectural and historical evidence from other sites.

Stepping back in time to the 13th century, pupils dressed in costume, recreated a medieval feast, and played games from the period, before sleeping under the painted eaves of the hall.

These two majestic buildings based on evidence from the time of Llywelyn the Great, provide visitors with a vivid insight into one of the pivotal moments in Welsh history.

Rhiannon Thomas, Learning, Participation and Interpretation Manager, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, said:

“The first sleepover at Llys Llywelyn marks a pivotal point in the Museum’s history. For the first time, pupils are able to stay overnight, making a visit to the Museum more accessible for schools from across the whole of Wales. It is truly a memorable experience for the children as they are able to step back in time and discover what it was like to experience the royal court of the Princes of Gwynedd.”

Iwan Jones Deputy Head teacher at Ysgol Santes Dwynwen said:

“We’re thrilled to be the first school to experience a medieval sleepover at Llys Llywelyn. The idea of a sleepover at the medieval hall came from the pupils themselves and so it’s brilliant to see it come to fruition.”

In October 2018, St Fagans National Museum of History completed the biggest redevelopment project in the history of the Museum. This was made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government and other supporters. St Fagans was awarded the largest grant ever given by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales in 2012 to help tell the stories of life in Wales over 200,000 years and more. The education programme at Llys Llywelyn has been generously supported by funding from the Hodge Foundation – the charitable foundation set up in 1962 by Sir Julian Hodge.

St Fagans National Museum of History has been selected as one of five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2019, regarded as the most prestigious museum prize in the world. The annual award celebrates innovation and exceptional achievement in museums and galleries across the UK.

 Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales operates seven museums across Wales including National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans National History Museum, the National Roman Legion Museum, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, the National Wool Museum, the National Slate Museum and the National Waterfront Museum.

Entry to all seven national museum is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Government.

ENDS

Notes to editor

The education programme at Llys Llywelyn has been generously supported by funding from the Hodge Foundation. The Hodge Foundation was originally established by the late Sir Julian Hodge in 1962 as the Jane Hodge Foundation in memory of his mother, Jane.  Sir Julian Hodge was an entrepreneur and banker who set up 3 banks during his lifetime, as well as having a wider involvement in the business community in Wales.

The £30 million St Fagans redevelopment Project

In October 2018, St Fagans National Museum of History completed the biggest redevelopment project in the history of the Museum. This was made possible by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government and other supporters. St Fagans was awarded the largest grant ever given by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales in 2012 to help tell the stories of life in Wales over 200,000 years and more.

St Fagans remained open throughout the redevelopment with opportunities for people from all over Wales to get involved. 120 community organisations, street charities and local groups have helped to shape the redevelopment providing advice and expertise. Over 3,000 volunteers have contributed over 21,000 hours of time to the project. The learning and creativity of over 100,000 school pupils, apprentices, artists and work placements has been supported. Now, there will be opportunities for others to also share their stories, experiences, knowledge, collections and skills to ensure that St Fagans reflects life in Wales from 230,000 years ago to today.

What does the redevelopment of St Fagans National Museum of History include?

•             A completely refurbished main entrance building which includes a new covered courtyard, new restaurant and improved visitor facilities, making the Museum an all-weather destination.

•             New spaces for learning and collections research in the Weston Centre for Learning which has already welcomed over 60,000 pupils and students since it opened in in September 2017, and is of a standard that befits Amgueddfa Cymru as the largest provider in Wales of learning outside the classroom.

•             Three new galleries combining Wales’ social history and archaeology collections:

-              Wales is… A window into 230,000 years of human life in Wales. Its 300 objects and 16 changing stories give everybody an opportunity to get involved and make history together.

-              Life is… Everyday life is also a part of history. In this gallery, visitors can explore how countless generations have dressed, prepared food, worked, played and mourned.

-              Gweithdy A purpose-built gallery which celebrates the skills of generations of makers. Visitors are encouraged to draw inspiration from the crafts on display in the gallery and try their hand at traditional skills. 

•             Llys Llywelyn – a Medieval Prince’s Court. Based on archaeological evidence from Llys Rhosyr on Anglesey, Llys Llywelyn is a window into 13th century royal Welsh life.

It will also provide a sleepover facility for school pupils.

•             Bryn Eryr Iron Age farmstead based on an archaeological site from the time of the Roman conquest built by volunteers. This rural settlement consists of two roundhouses built with six-foot thick clay walls and large conical thatched roofs.

•             The re-interpretation of one of our existing historical buildings, Oakdale Workmen's Institute, as a dementia-friendly exhibit and a space to support Welsh learners.

•             Yr Iard play area inspired by the historic buildings at St Fagans and designed by artist Nils Norman. It is a space for creative play, a space to jump, climb and swing.

•             Bronze Age Barrow An experiment in recreating a Bronze Age burial monument developed with local secondary school pupils to provide further insight into people’s lives and identities.