Easter Through the Ages

Step back in time and experience Easter through the ages, from the Saxons to the Edwardians!

Embark upon a journey of Easter through time as we explore the evolution of Easter traditions and celebrations from the Saxons to the Edwardians. Step inside our historic houses to discover how each home would have celebrated this important time of year and immerse yourselves in springtime activities with our living history groups.

 

Explore our Historic Homes

Wander through beautifully preserved houses and discover how different generations marked this important time of year.

• Meet the Herigeas Hundas Living History Group, as they help bring our Saxon buildings to life with Easter celebrations.
• Join the Tudor Living History Group in our Bayleaf Tudor Farmstead, as they show how the household would have prepared for Easter.
• See demonstrations on how Easter would have been celebrated in the 17th century in our Pendean Farmhouse.
• See Georgian Easter celebrations at home in our Tindall’s Cottage, where there will also be demonstrations on using home made natural dyes to colour eggs for this most important Christian festival.
• Learn about Easter in Regency times in our Toll house from Beeding.
• Explore Tastes Through Time, in Whittaker’s Cottage as we look at food and treats prepared for a Victorian Easter.

See Living History in Action

• Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and traditions of the past with visiting living history groups, bringing Easter customs to life before your eyes.
• See preparations for Easter across the Museum, as the households get ready for the celebrations across Easter weekend.
• Watch the Tudor Group as they prepare the household, from housework and spring cleaning, to meal preparations. Which might include:
  • Turning out the beds, beating the mattresses and airing the blankets and coverlets.
  • Washing the bedframes to remove bedbugs and restringing the frames.
  • General housework, from sweeping, dusting and salt scrubbing the tables.
  • Collecting herbs for strewing, distilling and for cleaning properties.

A Celebration of Tradition

• From ancient rites to Victorian festivities, uncover the origins of Easter customs and how they shaped the celebrations we know today.

Also on the Sunday, you can also see other demonstrations around the site, including:

• Working with flax at Cowfold Barn, with information on how flax seed would have been sown around Easter time and demonstrations on how the flax was processed.
• See the Horsham shop come to life with demonstrators, Jo and Andy Shorter, showing how shopping would have taken place in the 17th century.

Mini Artisan Easter Market

Over this weekend we will also have a handpicked selection of stall holders in our mini artisan Easter market, inside two of our buildings in the centre of the Museum market square area.

You will be able to pick up some special treats to enjoy as part of your own Easter Celebrations on Easter Weekend!

From artisan breads and cheeses, local Gin, chocolates Easter Eggs and even a sausage roll to enjoy on the day!

 

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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.