Uncover Your Dialect Inheritance – Why We Say The Things We Say

Do you take snap, bait, tommy or a packed lunch with you to work?

Is it a spell, a spelk or a splinter that you get in your finger?

As part of a national ‘Dialect & Heritage Project’ the Museum is one of five (5) locations where an extraordinary national archive housed at the University of Leeds is being shared, and new information is being added to it also as part of the project.

Between 1946 and 1978 fieldworkers from the University travelled across the country to record language, often associated with rural communities and the collections of the Museum. In this celebration of language, you can take part in activities, see word maps and other displays to find out more about dialect and our regional and national heritage.

For more information about the weekend, please check out the daily flyer 12-13 Feb (subject to change).

Online Webinar

Topic: WDLM talk: Dialect & Heritage with Dr Fiona Douglas

Find out more about the Survey of English Dialects which took place between 1946 and 1978, with fieldworkers travelling to locations across the country to record the language and lifestyle of hundreds of participants.

The webinar presentation lasts for 30 mins, with the chance to ask questions afterwards.

When: 13 Feburary, 2pm

Host: Dr Fiona Douglas is a lecturer at the University of Leeds and the lead academic in the current ‘Dialect & Heritage Project’, which has been formed to make the Leeds Archive of Vernacular Culture and the surveys accessible, as well as collect information today. The Weald & Downland Museum is pleased to be one of 5 partner Museums in this project.

Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kKKDBEVSSbiM1dgKoI1jLw

Information for Visitors

The Museum’s historic buildings are fascinating places to explore, plus you can learn how food was prepared in the Tudor kitchen and how flour is milled in the watermill – where you can buy grain and feed the hungry ducks on the mill pond. Also enjoy the fresh air and see the heavy horses and the other traditional breed farm animals including chickens and geese. There are lovely woodland walks and children can explore our woodland play area and family activity barn.

Our waterside café will be open (serving 9.30am–3pm), plus there are indoor and outdoor picnic areas. Dogs on 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.

Historic Life Weekends

For 2022 we have new topics in our popular series of Historic Life weekends. There will be a chance to chat to experts, see demonstrations and displays as well as explore the Museum. These are ideal for people specifically interested in the subject areas, as well as those generally interested in a topic and looking for an enjoyable, relaxing day out with a difference.