When I was a historian with the U.S. Air Force at RAF Alconbury, England, my family lived in a large village to the north of the base. My children were enrolled in the village C of E school, which was actually a very decent school inspite of some cultural differences. One of the things I enjoyed most about the school’s approach to learning was its hands-on curriculum. One of the many activities that my children were able to participate in was a week long stay at the Jorvik Viking Center in York. During their stay, which involved tours of the museum and dig, they learned about daily Viking life and had the opportunity to experience it – living and working in a mock-up of a Viking village! Very cool! I also had the chance to visit the museum and dig – worth visiting if you find yourself in York, England.
Not far from the Jorvik facility, a new “find” was being explored . . . a 14/15th century timber framed house, complete with a courtyard, great hall, “great chamber” and more – Barley Hall. Unfortunately for me, the refurbishment of this building, which had been hid behind an office building facade, would not be complete until several years after my return to the states. I hope some day that I can visit again. Here is a description of the struture, “borrowed” from the Barley Hall website:
The building has now been lovingly restored to its original splendour with stunning high ceilings, beautiful exposed timber frames, and possibly the only horn window in England. It has been decorated to replicate what it would have looked like as the Snawsell home around 1483 and boasts a magnificent Great Hall. Visitors to Barley Hall can make themselves at home and sit on the chairs and handle the objects and experience what it would have been like to live in Medieval England.
Oh my – as we develop our plans here at Medieval Living for a living history museum, I can picture having such a building in which to hold classes and perhaps allow students to experience a little of Medieval life.
My daughter, Melissa, and her family are planning a trip to England this summer – I have put Barley Hall on their “must see” list – and expect brochures, photos, notes and sketches!!! Wish I could sneak into one of her suitcases!
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