Tudor celebrations brought to life

As part of the continuing interpretation of Bayleaf Farmstead at the Museum, our team have hosted a series of immersive interpretation days, enabling visitors to see, hear, smell and even taste what life was like for those living in Bayleaf during Tudor times.

Bayleaf is a timber-framed hall-house dating mainly from the early 15th century. With replica furniture and equipment, the farmstead is presented as it might have been in about 1540.

Days so far have included a celebration meal for Twelfth Night and preparations for Candlemas.

With support from our volunteers, Twelfth Night saw seven members of the team dress up in historical clothing to demonstrate how a Yeoman farmer and his household might have eaten, drank and enjoyed the twelfth day of Christmas. With culinary preparations taking place in the Winkhurst Tudor Kitchen, it was a busy morning of getting fires lit, laying the table and cooking.

Visitors got to see a traditional Tudor household then sit in Bayleaf Farmstead before a roaring fire to enjoy a feast of salted cod potage, ‘farts in portingale’ and bread, followed by apple tarts and Twelfth Night cake at the Hall bench. Aaron from the Interpretation Team provided commentary to visitors who gathered to watch.

There are more dates coming up where visitors can enjoy a similar experience, as Bayleaf Farmstead is brought to life to showcase ‘high day’ celebrations as well as everyday meals and living.

These demonstrations will include:

Shrovetide Celebrations, Sunday 11 February. In preparation for lent, the Museum will be preparing and serving up the food that would not be consumed during the period of fasting, although at this stage some food would also be in short supply.

Lady Day, Sunday 24 March. In Tudor England, the New Year began on the 25 March, a day known as Lady Day or the Feast of the Annunciation for the Blessed Virgin. It was a feast day commemorating the day that the Virgin Mary was first told by the Angel Gabriel that she was carrying Jesus.

St George’s Feast, Tuesday 23 April. St George’s feast day was celebrated in Tudor England because this warrior saint had been important to the crusaders.

Whitson, Sunday 19 May. This special day is celebrated to commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Christ’s disciples, it is the seventh Sunday after Easter.

Midsummer Celebration Meal, Saturday 22 June. A traditional celebratory day to mark the middle of summer.

Keep an eye on our social channels and website to find out more about other upcoming interpretation days.