Monday 22 April 2013

The Weald and Downlands

I have to tell you and spread the word about one of my favourite places in England. I must have visited this place at least 8 times and would never hesitate to find an excuse to go again. A visit to one of the most spectacular displays of English houses from as early as the fourteenth century is a must should anyone happen to be in West Sussex. The Weald and Downlands open air museum  features original historic houses and buildings that have been dismantled from all over the country and reconstructed painstakingly to ensure faithful reproduction. 

A visitor would need at least a day to explore the 50 acre site, displaying not only historical houses and buildings but a range of livestock from Shire horses to pigs and chickens living in and around the reconstructed buildings. There is also a charming lake populated by a variety of ducks; a working mill, where you could buy freshly milled flour and biscuits made from the same flour; a cafĂ© with a selection of delicious cakes; a Tudor kitchen where authentic early modern recipes are prepared and served to visitors; and a variety of activities and special features depending on the time of year and occasion. 

Walking into one of the houses, you are instantly transported to another time and another world. These ancient structures with their authentic and accurately reproduced interiors capture a way life you may have only read about or seen in films. Every detail is considered and during the colder months you may even experience the warmth and the welcoming glow of a real fire lit for heightened authenticity in some of the houses. You can see how people slept, ate, socialised and cultivated their vegetable plots. You can smell, touch and see what the original inhabitants may have experienced in their homes and obtain a flavour of how life may have been. I found myself captivated by the aura and simplicity of a house I visited. I sat in a chair placed opposite a roaring fire, and felt a strange compulsion to remain there for a long time. The Spartan-like surroundings, the earthy musky smell, the rustic and 'honest' aura combined to create a sensation completely unique and mesmerising. This is history experienced in a way that cannot be compared. 

Hangleton exterior adjusted IMG_3331

Cottage from Hangleton. 13th century

boarhunt

Hall from Boarhunt. Late 14th century.


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Bayleaf: Wealden House. 15th century.

sole_street

Medieval house from Sole Street Kent

cowfold_barn

Barn from Cowfold. Built 1536.

pendean

Pendean Farmhouse. Built in 1609.

parkland bayleaf aerial view

animals


http://www.wealddown.co.uk/

4 comments:

  1. i too have been going as it is such a treat.truly fascinated by the architecture. this well thought out museum is a masterpiece
    thanks for sharing
    debra

    ReplyDelete
  2. My dear Marypana,

    How utterly breathtaking this 15th century 'neighbourhood' nestled in the beautiful landscape of the English countryside is! From the different architectural models, (inspiration for English Tudor design), and the reproduction of authentic interiors of the time, to the pastoral and picturesque farmland, complete with vegetable patches and livestock, this cultural treasure is definitely worth a visit!

    Your uniquely guided tour of the grounds and the atmosphere truly entices all the senses! Your own reaction - overcome by an inexplicable feeling of uneasiness at the thought of having to leave such a hauntingly mesmerizing place, was all that was left to convince one to make the trek to this most magical place, however far it may be from the comfort of their own home!

    Thank you so much for sharing!

    Hoping you have a lovely weekend,

    Poppy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Poppy for your kind and thoughtful comment. I can't wait for you to come over to West Sussex so you can see it for yourself. You'll see that my description falls short by a long way. xoxo

      Delete
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