Kentwell's History Festival
All the history in one day - from long ago to retro - the ultimate day of time-travel!
Location
Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 9BA
Telephone
01787 310207- Next Event
- 25th May 11:00am - 25th May 5:00pm
- Following 2 Events
26/05/24 11:00
-26/05/24 17:00
27/05/24 11:00
-27/05/24 17:00
About this event
Encounter pockets of history from a range of different eras brought to life by nearly 200 of Kentwell’s skilled living historians, spread throughout the buildings, gardens, farm and woodlands. Spend a whole day immersed in history at Kentwell and travel through time.
An excellent and stimulating combination of history and nostalgia, over 2000 years of history in one place, on one day - only at Kentwell! Travel from the stone age to the 1970s, with each time period in its own individual setting, all properly equipped and costumed, and with activities appropriate to each individual period.
This year, we have the following time-periods represented:
Neolithic Hunting Band • Bronze Age Crafts • Medieval Cottage • Tudor Domestic Life • 17th Century Music and Dance • Regency Emporium and Military Recruiting Party • Victorian Travelling Show (Thu and Fri only) • Edwardian Adventurers • WWI Services • 1920s Croquet Party • 1930s 'Constable Films' casting • WWII Home Guard, Land Army and Suffolk Regiment • 1960s Peace Camp • 1970s Happy Campers • 1980s Punks
Entry to the House and Gardens is included as part of the event - explore acres of gardens, woodland and farm - rich in spring bulbs and blossom everywhere. On the farm, you can also see this year's lambs in the paddocks. There is so much to see and do. All activities will continue whatever the weather.
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About the Venue
Kentwell Hall is Suffolk’s hidden gem and one of England’s finest Tudor houses that stands within the most extensive moat in the county and nearly 30 acres of formal gardens and grounds.
The house offers the visitor a journey through time from the Great Tudor Kitchen, the Gothic centre block to the State bedroom that was created by Thomas Hopper in the 1820s for a visit from the then Duke of York.
The house offers a relaxed environment, mixed with an individuality that is not often seen these days in great historic venues.
Kentwell Hall’s organic gardens are a combination of ancient features, elements of the substantial alterations of Lady Guthrie, tenant during the 1930s, and the recent landscaping and planting by the current owners.
Particular areas of interest include the formal walled garden with its glorious borders providing seasonal displays of colour, the wildlife meadows and the Pied Piper Topiary hedge.
Whilst the magnificent Cedar Trees that date back to the late 18th century provide a lovely backdrop and The Sculpted Tree, based on the theme of the Tower of Babel, is the UK's biggest single wood carving.
The house and gardens are described as “magical with a surprise around every corner” and are to be enjoyed at your leisure.
The Stable Yard Tea Rooms serve light lunches and afternoon tea using seasonal produce from the gardens and farm.
Kentwell Hall is famous for producing some of the countries largest Re-creations and family events that run throughout the year.
Kentwell is available to hire for weddings, corporate functions, events and filming.
