Step back in time at Buckland Abbey

National Trust’s Buckland Abbey is offering a glimpse into what life was like during the Middle Ages this bank holiday, as the Abbey will be heading back in-time to 1481.

On Saturday 27 – Monday 29 August, the Medieval Free Company will be setting up camp within the grounds of the National Trust estate near Yelverton. They will give passers-by the opportunity to discover the medieval way of life by inviting people inside their pop-up village encampment.

Across the bank holiday weekend, villagers will be demonstrating how life was lived during medieval England. There will be different crafts, trades and everyday activities being carried out in the Abbey grounds. Everything from fletching, herbalism, cooking, pattern making, dyeing, spinning and weaving, basket making and more will be on display with live demonstrations. Members of the Medieval Free Company will also be ensuring their first line of defence is at their best – as archery practice will take place in the Abbey grounds.

Speaking about the weekend, Richard Burrow, Visitor Experience Officer at Buckland Abbey said, “It’s great to be welcoming the Medieval Free Company back to the estate once again, as the group provide visitors a fascinating glimpse of life at Buckland Abbey during this time. It’s through events like this that we hope to bring Buckland Abby to life for our visitors. We hope to inspire people and get them to think differently about the history surrounding us and the stories behind amazing places like Buckland”.

This weekend is part of a series of events that take place all year to help tell the story of Buckland Abbey, all with the aim to move and inspire people about history. The Abbey is looked after by the National Trust whose charitable aim is to look after places like Buckland for people to experience and enjoy for ever.

Normal admission charges apply to the medieval event and Trust members go free. Buckland Abbey is open daily from 10.30am-5.30pm until 30 October. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland.