Day to day Tudor life – week by week

A ‘jigsaw’ picture of domestic life in Tudor times is on offer at Little Moreton Hall during the summer holidays.

Each week is themed around a different aspect of everyday life. You are able to join the hall’s Tudor gentlemen and gentlewomen busily carrying out chores, preparing for special occasions or making the most of their leisure moments.

Commencing Monday 25 July, you can try your hand at writing, printing and papermaking.

Young Visitors to Little Moreton Hall discover the mysteries of weaving from Tudor Gentlewoman Alison Nicholls ⓒ Emma Williams National Trust

The next week, Lammas, a festival connected to harvest time, starts on Monday 1 August. You can plait a celebration Lammas Loaf, winnow corn or prepare the straw, rushes and herbs which was strewn across the floor of the Great Hall.

The following week, beginning Monday 8 August, the accent will be on textiles; felt making, spinning, weaving and lucetting – weaving braided cords.

Then, there will be a different activity each week, including the use of herbs for personal hygiene and cleaning clothes; the preparation of herbal medicine and Tudor make-up and a week of Tudor games, including archery and nine men’s morris. Check the website for more details.

Jo Williams, from the hall, explained:
‘Most people are fascinated by the day-to-day life of the Tudors. With the weekly themes they have a chance to see the domestic details close- up and join in with them. The themed approach also means that if local people want to make several visits during the holidays there will always be something to different to see and do.

Our guided tours of the hall, which are very popular, are always available and children have their own trails to explore this fabulous building.’

Little Moreton Hall is currently open seven days a week 11am – 5pm. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/littlemoretonhall or call 01260 272018.