Experience Life in Tudor Times
Take a turn in the stocks, fire a few arrows, enjoy a hog roast washed down with cider and discover what life would have been life as a peasant during the 16th century as Chatsworth hosts its annual Tudor Festival over the bank holiday weekend from 29 - 31 May 2010.
Historical re-enactors, craftsmen, authentic music and food, have-a-go archery and birds of prey come together in a beautiful setting to recreate this fascinating living history. All activities are included in the normal garden entrance fees unless otherwise stated. For more information visit www.chatsworth.org
Visitors can watch the Birds of Prey demonstration which takes place on the Salisbury lawn or try a round of have-a-go-archery, £3 for five arrows, to practice the art and skill of shooting with a bow and arrow, both of which will run on all three days.
The Tudor Travellers, a small group of historical re-enactors, will portray life as it was for the masses. Visitors will get an insight into what life was like for peasants, travelling folk, craftsmen, vagrants and wanderers during a period of continual change. An important part of these portrayals is practising and demonstrating a variety of historical crafts such as fletching, felting, weaving, spinning, dying, cooking, penmanship, carpentry, medicine, weaponry, archery, singing, dancing and more.
The Crafty Beggars will be offering visitors the chance to see working demonstrations of both woodland crafts and hat making. They will present a full and lively display of the crafts they produce, alongside the tools and materials used in the production, be it hand-made felt from sheep, woven rush hats, hand-carved wooden spoons or besom brooms and rakes.
Complete the experience with a traditional and delicious Hog Roast and take home a piece from the Tudor times with a visit to the gift shop for authentic wooden swords, shields, bow and arrows.
Chatsworth is open every day until 24 December. For more details on the packed events programme for 2010, what to see and do around the estate or where to eat, sleep and shop visit www.chatsworth.org for more information.
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