In 1905, a remarkable discovery was made in Hogebeintum, in Friesland. During excavations in one of the artificial mounds, the remains of a person buried in an oak coffin were found. The skeleton dates from the 7th century and the deceased was presumably an important woman. We know this because full grown oaks were rareContinue reading “The Lady in the Oak Tree”
Author Archives: allecmere
Undertunic is pretty!
It has been quite some time since I wrote anything substantial. Life simply got in the way of creativity. It happens to the best of us. After finishing the Skjoldehamn undertunic in May of this year, I just wasn’t able to find fabric at the thrift shops that would work for the overtunic. This tookContinue reading “Undertunic is pretty!”
The 1336 Indulgence from Zutphen
As you know, my main focus is the medieval history of the Low Lands. I am forever interested in the general medieval history of my country. I have a beautiful piece for you today! Have a seat, grab a drink and enjoy this original pearl. The ‘Rondeel’ was one of several nunneries in Zutphen. AlfardusContinue reading “The 1336 Indulgence from Zutphen”
About dangerous business
Boy, do I have a story for you today! It involves mystery, murder and… a latrine… Allow me to take you back to the beautiful year of 1076. Yes, the days without proper indoor plumbing. I realise that doesn’t sound very romantic, and trust me it gets worse, much worse. Private toilets, also called privvies,Continue reading “About dangerous business”
Skjoldehamn Undertunic 2
Hi all, it has been a weird few weeks for me in which there were quite a few curveballs. But hey, that is called life, and there will always be times in my life when bronchitis is on the agenda and nothing else. I got through it! And I am back to my Skjoldehamn project.Continue reading “Skjoldehamn Undertunic 2”
The Saint John’s Fern
This is a new category on my blog, and one that I had in mind from the beginning but it is only now that I have found a good book to start with. The Saint John’s Fern by Kate Sedley Allow me to introduce you to Roger the Chapman, a former Benedictine monk, turned pedlarContinue reading “The Saint John’s Fern”
Monkey business
Today, I am going to take you to our capitol Amsterdam. There aren’t many 16th century houses in the city anymore, but this one is quite remarkable and worthy of a post. Between 1544 and 1550 a house was built on the Zeedijk, in the heart of the city. The Zeedijk is one of theContinue reading “Monkey business”
About my garb, part 2
This post is really about one lady, and one lady only, and no she isn’t me! Have a seat, you will enjoy this if you appreciate archaeology and early garb. Make a cup of coffee! In 1995-96 a small settlement from the Roman era was excavated near Castricum. There aren’t many settlements unearthed from thisContinue reading “About my garb, part 2”
About my garb, part 1
This is post is long overdue. Well, I think it is. Not that I *need* to explain myself but garb is quite fundamental for your persona. I have already dedicated a post to the name Ava van Allecmere, which you can read here. It seems only fair I now write about why my garb isContinue reading “About my garb, part 1”
Skjoldehamn Undertunic
I can’t remember when I last wrote about this project. It has been quite some time, I know that much. The thing with lockdowns is that shops are closed, as you know, and that the thrift stores were hit as well, as in not being able to go there to find the much needed fabricContinue reading “Skjoldehamn Undertunic”
Ava's Corner 