9.30am to 4.30pm

The course

Learn to choose the materials, prepare and plat them and how to construct your own straw hat. This day will provide you with the knowledge to complete a hat in your own time and to listen as you plait to anecdotes about the use of these skills and the people who made and wore such hats.

The tutor

Ruth Goodman is a freelance historian, and a leading member of the Tudor Group, an historical interpretation society which concentrates on the Tudor period. Her particular interest is in the domestic tasks of ordinary people, cooking, cleaning, brewing and dairy work. As well as teaching at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum for a number of years, Ruth has undertaken work at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, The Mary Rose, St Fagans Museum and Ulster History Parks as well as events for the National Trust and English Heritage. She has also appeared on television in “Tales of the Green Valley and “The Victorian Farm”.

Participant Information

Please bring a sharp pair of scissors and wear suitable clothing.

Fee

£50 per person, to include all tuition, teas and coffees. The Museum café will be open, or you can bring along a packed lunch. You will also be sampling what you cook!

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits. It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses. The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 

This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.

 

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