May Day Re-Creation of Tudor Life
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May Day
May Day was the most popular holiday in Tudor times with lots of merrymaking. The celebrations were pre-Christian in concept and were based upon ancient fertility rites. Everything centred upon making noise to wake-up spring so as to encourage crops to grow. In addition most of the activities had an underlying fertility theme.
We portray May Day in the way in which Tudors celebrated it. It is a very popular Re-Creation, probably because it is so lively and noisy. The Re-Creation strives to re-capture the processions, plays, pageantry, music & dance of the time and is based at the Barns Sward on the Farm to create a village atmosphere. In their day the way in which locals celebrated May Day was so lively that Tudor Gentry, even the sovereign of the day, would go to watch villagers enjoying themselves.
Kentwell Tudors over May Day Weekend
Every day of the weekend here are processions usually led by a Jack O'Green, covered in Greenery, and a May Queen, to the Hall accompanied by much noise. Simple plays of the time are performed (in which good - represented by St George - always ultimately overcomes evil - represented by a Dragon or a Turk). There is also much music and dance. Also no little drinking, revelry and ribaldry.
Apart from ther Tudors on theBarns Green area, there are usually also Tudors at the House: Cooks in the Kitchen, Retainers & Gentry; and also in the 15th C Moat House service area: Dairy, Bakehouse, Stillroom & Needlewomen.
This year we expect to have well over 100 of our Tudors taking part. There is no Time Tunnel at this Re-Creation.
Kentwell is always fun for children of all ages but is especially so at this time. Come early and spend the day at Kentwell and enjoy all the fun.
House, Garden & Farm
All are Open over weekend. At this time, usually, Spring Bulbs, daffodils, primroses and cowslips still make a good show with the fruit trees in the Walled Garden and May trees elsewhere in blossom. It really is a lovely time in the Garden.
Farm
There are still young animals (especially lambs) as well as numerous fowl and other animals to be seen on the Farm
Catering
Full catering will be available in the Stableyard Café/Restaurant serving hot & cold lunches and teas & the Stableyard Grill serving lunches, grills & chips. the Undercroft Restaurant is sometimes Open then too.
There is a picnic site by the main Gates but no picnics within the Re-Creation.
Prices
Special Prices apply for this weekend - see below. HHA visitors do not enjoy free entry during this weekend. If you buy on-line there may be discounts off the prices stated below. The On-Line Prices may vary from time to time. On-line Tickets for this weekend are available for use on any one day of the weekend.
You don't have to buy tickets in advance and can usually be sure of buying tickets on entry.
May Day Bank Holiday Weekend GATE Prices
| Full Day | Late Entry | |
| Adults | £13.95 | £11.70 |
| Children | £10.50 | £9.35 |
| OAPs | £12.85 | £10.50 |
Related Pages
Details
| How Much of The House is Open |
All
|
| Likely Number of Re-Creation Folk |
100 - 150
|
| Opening Time |
11:00 am
|
| Late Entry Price Reduction Time |
2:30pm
|
| Closing Time |
5:00 pm
|
| Children Tickets |
Children aged 5-15, under 5's are free.
|
| Open On (see calendar) |
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Monday, 7 May 2012
|
