Wetwang: A Chariot Fit for a Queen?

Page 8 of 10

• 1. Chariot, cart or carriage?
• 2. British chariots
• 3. The evidence
• 4. What is a chariot?
• 5. Mobile missile platforms
• 6. Vehicle of war
• 7. Iron Age suspension
• 8. Building the chariot
• 9. Field trials
• 10. Conclusion
• Print entire article

Building the chariot

Although they had an idea of the dimensions of the chariot, and a clear idea of the shape of the axle, there was no evidence for the shape of the other parts. For this, they turned to other finds.

The nave and spokes were based on finds from Glastonbury Lake village, and the wheel rim from one at Holme Pierrepoint. The yoke was based on a find at Lake Neuchatel in Switzerland.

'The paintwork ... set off the lavish splendour of the bronzed metalwork ...'

As a finishing touch the chariot was painted, using natural ochres from Clearwell Caves in the Forest of Dean - the mines there have been in existence for over 4,000 years. The paintwork not only set off the lavish splendour of the bronzed metalwork but was also in keeping with the Ancient Britons’ love of colour.

This was a bold statement and broke with the tradition of previous reconstructions, which have represented British chariots as functional vehicles in plain wood and wicker. But it was felt this interpretation did not correspond to the elaborate and prestigious nature of the finds at Wetwang.

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Published: 2005-01-25