Mop Fair arrives with a bang

Little Moreton Hall: September 23 and 24

Loading and firing an ancient cannon, armed combat, musketry and archery will all be included in a Mop Fair at Little Moreton Hall, the Tudor mansion near Congleton.

Anna Fielding, from the Hall explained, ‘As well as being a big celebration, Mop Fairs were about hiring workers for the coming year. So, the re-enactment group Amicorum will put a whole range of Tudor jobs and trades on show for our fair.

Bang on Target! Artillerymen load an early Tudor cannon at Little Moreton Hall. ⓒ Alan Ingram/ National Trust. Click on image to enlarge

Soldiering was an occupation which appealed to many men, especially when times were hard.

‘If you prefer something more peaceful, you will see spinning and tailoring, baking, candle making, and fingerloop- braiding. Or you may like to make a Tudor sweet bag or consult a scribe or apothecary.’

The apothecary also ties in with a ‘How We Used to Sleep’ project currently under way at the Hall. The project investigates the does and don’ts surrounding sleep in Tudor times, including the lotions and potions and food and drink which the Tudors believed you needed to ensure a good night’s rest.

Anna Fielding added, ‘You can discover more about the sleep project and about the routine autumn tasks at Little Moreton Hall. These include preserving produce from the orchard – apples, pears, medlars, rosehips and berries- and making corn dollies and bread plaits.

You may also like to join one of our very popular free guided tours to hear the fascinating story of the Moreton family or simply explore this wonderful old building for yourself.’

The Mop Fair at Little Moreton Hall is on Saturday 23 September and Sunday 24 September.                                                                                                                                           Little Moreton Hall is open Weds – Sun, 11am – 5pm.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/littlemoretonhall or call 01260 272018.