‘Mop Up’ a trade at Little Moreton Hall

If you’ve ever fancied learning a traditional trade, a Mop Fair at Little Moreton Hall could provide an ideal opportunity.

Over two days visitors of all ages will be able to try their hands at jobs such as baker, dairy maid, laundress or nurse maid and learn about crafts like brick-making, joinery and shoe-making.

Dairy maid Anna Fielding makes butter in Tudor style at Little Moreton Hall C Alan Ingram/National Trus

The accent will be on the word ‘traditional’. Rachel Costigan, from the Hall, explained:

‘In keeping with the surroundings here, the skills on display will all be from Tudor times. Bricks will be made in individual moulds; the nurse maid will show how to wrap a baby in ‘swaddling’; the dairy maid will be teaching visitors to make butter in a wooden churn and the laundress will certainly not be using a washing machine.’

At other times during the two days, visitors will have a chance to see how candles and rush lights were made, how Tudor clothes were sewn, or they may delve into the secrets of remedies prescribed by a local ‘wise woman’.

Mop Fairs, held at Michaelmas, were the events where trades people and labourers were hired for the coming year. At Little Moreton Hall visitors will be able to choose a trade, pick up a ‘mop’, or badge, and offer their services to one of the hall’s Tudor – costumed staff. This ‘recruiter’ will then explain their conditions of employment, including pay, accommodation and time off.

Rachel commented: “Those conditions of employment may come as a bit of a shock and some people may decide their career choice was a mistake. But Mop Fairs always ended in a celebration and we’re sure everyone will enjoy their time here.”

The Mop Fair is at Little Moreton Hall on Saturday 27 September and Sunday 28 September. 

Little Moreton Hall is open Weds – Sun, 11am – 5pm. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/littlemoretonhall or call 01260 272018. 

Top image: Little Moreton Hall C Alan Ingram/ National Trust