Kentwell offers the most comprehensive and authentic Tudor experience in the UK, a fully-interactive re-creation of life in the Sixteenth Century.
Every year, Kentwell holds unique Re-Creations of Tudor life. Up to 250 people of all ages live, eat and breathe life as it was on a Sixteenth Century Manor, to bring Tudor Kentwell to life. In the extensive grounds around the moated manor house, countless artisans and purveyors of goods labour over the necessaries for the comfort and support of the Clopton family - the gentry owners of Kentwell since 1385.
Stepping Back in Time
Walking through our Time Tunnel is like stepping back in time to Tudor England. When visitors emerge on the other side there is no 21st Century. As far as the eye can see will be Tudor people going about their everyday business. Our Tudors meticulously research their roles. Everything they wear, do or say will be historically accurate.
A True Community
A visit to a Kentwell Re-Creation gives children far more than a history lesson.
You can explore science, for example. At the Alchemists: how is gunpowder made? At the Forge: how can metal be shaped? At the Felters: why does soap and wool create felt? What a child might learn over several lessons about the workings of an eye might be instantly understood in the Camera Obscura.
There is no better experience in the UK for giving school-age children a real insight into life in Tudor England.
A visitor to last year's event said:
A huge thank you to you and everyone at Kentwell for a wonderful, memorable day at Kentwell yesterday.
We had not heard of Kentwell before it came up on the Home Ed lists. We travelled from Oxfordshire the day before, visited Lavenham on Tuesday and stayed nearby overnight, so it was quite a big trip for us. The lead-up to it, with the costume-making, was great fun too.
My six year old and our German teenage friend both voted it fantastic. The Tudor characters were all great, and they were excellent at pitching things just right for our different ages and experiences. We've used it as an introduction to the Tudors and to see and take part in such a range of activities was just perfect. We managed to visit virtually every part, with a repeat visit to the blacksmith who was a favourite. The girls are downstairs at the moment working enthusiastically on pricked designs of Tudor roses onto little wooden panels - they've mixed powder paint in cockle shells inspired also by the miniature painters and I can hear them discussing Tudor dancing as they do their painting. They are keen to try some natural dyeing and to try to make felt hats too.
If you would like to join our Home Educators email mailing list please send an email to enquiries@kentwell.co.uk.
