Easter Through the Ages
Organised by : Weald and Downland Living Museum
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 Peandean Farmhouse.
- See Georgian Easter celebrations at home in our Tindalls 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 Whittakers 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.
Over this weekend we will also have a handpicked selection of stall holders in our Museum Gallery and Market Square. Where you can pick up some special treats to enjoy as part of your own Easter Celebrations on Easter Weekend!