Situated across two floors, the Museum of the Iron Age tells the story of the Danebury hillfort which lies to the south west of Andover. The hillfort was excavated by Professor Barry Cunliffe between 1969 and 1988 and is one of the best-studied sites of the British Iron Age.
Using real artefacts alongside reconstructions based on discoveries made during the excavations, the museum explores life in the hillfort, including defence, home life, farming and religious beliefs.
The Museum of the Iron age is situated in the same building as Andover Museum, which tells the story of the town and surrounding area.
Grade II listed, the museum building started life as a Georgian townhouse in the mid 18th century. Evidence of this can be seen in the fine staircase, wooden panelling and decorative fireplaces. In the 1840s, the building was purchased by local philanthropist Martha Gale who gifted it to Andover Grammar School. The brick extension that houses the Museum of the Iron Age was added in the 1880s.
Things to do
The museum is a great place for the whole family to enjoy. Here are just a few of the things you can do during your visit:
- Visit the replica roundhouse and handle real Iron Age artefacts
- Discover the Fullerton Mosaic and learn more about Roman life
- Explore the Danebury hillfort and imagine what life would have been like
- Spot the objects around the museum with our fun activity sheets
- Browse the museum shop and visit our welcoming café selling a selection of hot and cold drinks, cakes, biscuits and crisps. Bring your own cup for 30p off your hot drink!
Fullerton Mosaic
This beautiful mosaic floor decorated the main room of a Romano-British villa in the nearby village of Fullerton. The centre piece to the mosaic is the god Mars in his role as protector of agriculture.
Discovered in 1872, the Mars mosaic was later removed by the landowner, William Cory, and laid in the entrance hall of his nearby manor house. With the help of grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and a number of local supporters, the mosaic was purchased and lifted by a team of specialists. After appropriate conservation work it was installed at the museum during 2009.
Inside the Roundhouse
Wattle and daub walls give an impression of what life was like inside an Iron Age home. Around the walls are some of the artefacts found during excavation, including some of the finer pottery vessels.
Grain storage and daily bread
Reconstructions and display panels give a flavour of the large grain storage capacity on Danebury, from stores on stilts to storage pits dug into the chalk. Our replica quern stone and clay bread oven show the final stages in producing a dietary staple.
Ritual and religion
Discover how ritual and religion played a significant role in daily life. Who were the Druids and what were sacred groves? How did they dispose of their dead?
