Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings - History Re-eactment Workshop

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Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings
England's first open air museum, Avoncroft Museum, is home to over 30 historic buildings and structures which have been rescued and re-built in rural Worcestershire, spread over 19 acres of beautiful Worcestershire countryside and includes a wildflower meadow, period gardens, a traditional cider and perry orchard.
In 1967 the Museum was opened to the public following the rescue and reconstruction of a medieval merchant’s house from Bromsgrove. Then, as now, their priority was to retain historic buildings in their original location. Over five decades, Avoncroft Museum has continued to rescue structures where this had not been achievable and the museum now displays and cares for over twenty five historic buildings that range in date from Worcester Cathedral’s fourteenth century Guesten Hall roof to a post second world war prefab from Birmingham, covering over 700 years of Midlands history.
1583 - All Hallows Eve
October 2021
As part of a Halloween Special weekend, we placed Richard Clare, a Yeoman farmer, within the museum's Merchant's House. Along with his Goodwife Katheryn, children Robert and Anise, and some servants, they gave a quick taste of Elizabethan life. All Hallows Eve had been greatly reduced as a special day since the English church's move to Protestantism. The earlier All Hallow's feast had been scrapped and even the following All Souls day was reduced in the number of saints careful in how it viewed departed relatives, so not to been seen too Catholic.
Throughout the museum were other interpreters covering different periods in history, incorporating their version of All Hallows Eve.
In the evening, the museum reopened for more of a current Halloween celebration, including children's fancy dress.
Meet the household
1585 - The Merchant at home
April 2023
As part of the International Living History Fair, we placed Joane Drake, the wife of a merchant, within the museum's Tudor Townhouse. Sadly, Joane was recently widowed and has therefore inherited the house and business. This is an unusual position for a woman and we explored the options she has, including running the business herself.
Meet the household
ABOUT US
We are a small but nationally based interpretation group, covering Tudor and Stuart domestic life. Founded in 1985, we have been recreating historic families in first person, to give visitors of historic houses an educational and memorable visit.
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Registered Charity Nº 1040799
HIRE US
We specialise in turning an old house into a home, bringing a Tudor or Stuart family to life, to fully interact with your visitors.
We can also offer a range of variations around the same period, depending on what you have available.
JOIN US
We are always keen for new people to come and join us. As we recreate domestic life, we're open to all. No previous experience or in depth knowledge is required. The 'Workshop' in our title is all about training our members.
Contact the Secretary
History Re-enactment Workshop
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