Candlemas Residency – 31 Jan to 8 Feb
Step back in time this winter as we welcome back the Black Knight Historical Living History Team for their second Candlemas Residency at the Museum. This immersive medieval living history experience offers visitors a rare glimpse into life during the 15th century, as people endured the long, cold winter months while looking forward to spring’s return.
Living in the Past at North Cray Medieval House
For nine days, the Black Knight team will inhabit North Cray Medieval House, dressing and furnishing it as it may have appeared in 1462. They will demonstrate how a late medieval household survived winter, when the sun is low, the cold creeps into your bones, and yet, daily work must go on.
Visitors can watch as the team:
- Cooks, sleeps, and lives authentically within the house.
- Undertakes winter tasks such as mending, ditch digging, and hedge cutting.
- Performs daily prayers and observes medieval feast days.
- Demonstrates crafts and skills used to keep homes running through the harsh winter.
The group will “detox” from modern technology, focusing instead on wellbeing through rhythm, reflection, and faith, just as our ancestors might have done during the darker months.
Candlemas and the Saints’ Feast Days
Throughout their stay, the team will mark several medieval feast days, including:
- Saint Bride’s Day, 1 February
- Candlemas, 2 February
- Saint Agatha, 5 February
- Saint Cuthman, 8 February
Visitors will be able to see and hear their prayers, along with music, readings, and small celebrations that bring these historic traditions to life.
Demonstrations & Activities
Across the residency, you may see demonstrations of:
- Clothing repairs, shoe making, and furniture maintenance
- Candle dipping, rushlight and soap making
- Spinning, weaving, embroidery, and lace cord work
- Gardening, wood cutting, and faggot making (bundled firewood)
- Basketry, willow work, broom making, and net weaving
- Ink making, account keeping, and household record keeping
- Outdoor activities such as hedge trimming and ditch digging
- Archery demonstrations on Sunday
- Games, storytelling, readings, and traditional music
- Butchery demonstration (preparing duck, goose, or pheasant for a meal)*
*Please note: butchery and animal skin preparation will be part of historical demonstrations and may not be suitable for all visitors. All demonstrations are subject to weather conditions and daily schedules.
A Unique Winter Experience
This Candlemas Living History Residency offers a remarkable opportunity to explore authentic medieval life within the Museum’s historic setting. Ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and schools, it’s a chance to discover how people of the past faced winter with resourcefulness, faith, and community.
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Please note: Members do not need to book to attend this week of demonstrations, it is included in your Museum membership.
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Information for Visitors
Discover 40 acres of history, nature, and countryside charm at the Weald & Downland Living Museum near Chichester, West Sussex. Explore our collection of historic buildings, working farm animals, and heritage gardens, and experience what rural life was like in centuries past.
Come Rain or Shine You Can Explore and Enjoy
Stroll through our beautiful open-air museum, where you can see authentic period homes, workshops, and barns set within the stunning South Downs landscape. Enjoy peaceful woodland walks, spot wildlife, or visit the woodland play area — perfect for children to explore and learn through play.
Meet Our Working Animals
Look out for our Heavy Horses, Sheep, and Ducks, who help bring the Museum to life. Visitors can even feed the ducks on the mill pond — grain can be purchased in the Museum shop.
Relax and Refuel
Take a break at our waterside café, serving delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic, with plenty of scenic spots around the site to enjoy. During the warmer months, Shepherd’s Hut kiosks offer takeaway drinks and snacks around the Museum.
Useful Visitor Information
- Dogs on short leads are very welcome across the site.
- Free parking is available for all visitors.
- Please note: the Museum is a no-smoking site.
- Visitors with accessibility needs can find detailed information on our Accessibility page.
Please note that all activities and demonstrations are subject to change and may vary depending on the weather or season.
