We all had an excellent day at the Weald and Downland Museum, which was founded in 1970 and is a leading museum for the conservation of historic buildings in England. With over 50 relocated buildings covering the 40acre site exploring the stories of the people who lived and worked in them from 950 AD to the 19th Century.
The BBC programme, the Repair Shop, is filmed in Watersfield Stable, Court Barn (from Lee on Solent) and Wiston Wagon Shed but these three buildings were closed so were not accessible during our visit.
During our visit we learned about the rural and domestic life of the people who lived in the historic houses. Throughout the museum we saw different demonstrations in progress, including the Smithy from Southwater and the Newdigate Bakehouse.
The museum is also home to six historic gardens, which have been created to be in keeping with the periods of the historic homes they surround.
Everyone had an amazing day. Thank you, Joan for organising it for us.
David Elliott
