Visitors to Winsford library were able to try their hand at writing using medieval-style techniques  last Saturday as part  of Explore Your Archives Week.  Staff from Saltscape and Cheshire Archives and Local Studies helped children have a go at using ink made from oak galls soaked in water with iron sulphate added for extra colour, and a smart quill instead of felt tipped pens!

The work is part of a project by Cheshire Records and Local Studies Trainee Miranda Lennon looking at Medieval Deeds.  Highlighted is some wording in a 15th century manuscript which references ‘salina’ or ‘salt pit’ alluding to a possible transfer of lands or rights.

Hannah from the Saltscape team and Rachel, Conservator from Cheshire Archives and Local Studies helped visitors decipher the contents of the library’s ‘Salt Box’ containing copies of fascination documents relating to the salt industry in Cheshire and in Winsford in particular and local history fans were introduced to Saltscape’s  Heritage Skills and Local History and Community Archaeology Programme.