Candlemas

As part of our Ritual Year celebrations here at the Museum, we will be celebrating Candlemas in our Bayleaf Farmstead.

Candlemas is the celebration of Christ as the light of the world. When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, he was recognised by an old prophet named Simeon, as the Messiah, and a ‘light to lighten the Gentiles’.

As such, a central theme of Candlemas is light, symbolised by candles blessed in church services and carried around the parish. However, following the Reformation, the tradition of blessing candles faced criticism, with figures like Archbishop Cranmer banning it as superstitious. Candlemas also carries weather folklore, with the rhyme suggesting that clear weather signals a longer winter, while cloudy skies hint at an early spring.

You can join us throughout the week and come on the Sunday to see us celebrate in and around Bayleaf Farmstead.

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Information for Visitors

The Museum’s 40 acres site, historic gardens and buildings are fascinating places to learn about rural history. Visitors can purchase grain from the Museum shop and feed the hungry ducks on the mill pond. Whilst enjoying the great outdoors and fresh air, look out for our working animals, which can include the Heavy Horses, Sheep and Ducks. There are a number of lovely woodland trails, including a woodland play area for children to explore.

Why not enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch at our waterside café?  Visitors can also bring a picnic as there are plenty of picnic areas available on site.  Takeaway refreshments will also be available from our seasonal Shepherd’s Huts located around the Museum.

Dogs on short leads are welcome and there is ample free parking. Please note that the Museum is a no-smoking site. Visitors with access needs are advised to read our accessibility page in advance of their visit.

All activities are subject to change.