Furness Abbey Fellowship is holding its 10th Medieval Fair on Saturday 2nd September 2023 in the grounds of the Abbey. To celebrate our 10th anniversary we will be welcoming back our signature group of historical re-enactors, Iron Shepherds, who show us what it was like to live in the early 12th century when the abbey was first built. Additionally, we see the return of Trouvere Medieval Minstrels who will be entertaining us with a range of music and songs from the middle ages. Brother John will be dispensing his herbal and medical knowledge in the Buttery and telling us how people cured ailments in monastic times.
York City Levy, re-enactors showing life in the 15th century; towards the end of the life of the abbey join us again and we are excited to see their demonstrations. Crafts will be demonstrated by Owen Jones making swill baskets, John Harrison wood turning, Tony Saunders bow making and our friends from Furness Spinners and Weavers.
Also Silverband Falconry will be demonstrating their birds of prey as usual and if you want to learn what a lucet is and what it’s used for, a local craftswoman will show you.
We have local history tents with Barrow Archives, Greenlane Archaeology and Friends of Dalton Castle.
Furness Abbey Fellowship will have their own stall with some interesting activities, including shield painting, brass rubbing and children’s competitions. The Chair of FAF, Gill Jepson, local author, will have her books and our FAF book, “It’s Our Abbey” available. Our friends at Abbey Mill Café return to supply snacks and drinks and Mansergh Hall Farm Hog Roast will be here for those who prefer a hot snack.
This event is funded by FAF and we ask for a donation of £2.50 per adult to allow us to re-invest for next year’s fair. We work in partnership with English Heritage who assist us and allow us to put on this great event and we urge you to take a look at the amazing conservation work they have undertaken recently. The Visitor Centre has a wide range of books, toys, souvenirs and games; as well as a huge range of ice cream and confectionery. EH staff will also be selling bottles of their famous mead.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The Abbey car park is designated for Blue Badge Holders and drop off only. CC Coaches are running a shuttle bus in conjunction with our friends at the Dock Museum throughout the day. This is a limited free service from 10am until final bus at 4.45pm from the Abbey. There are no other stops.
Usual EH entry fee applies: English Heritage Members and local residents are free (on production of a valid Barrow Council Tax Bill and photo ID).
www.furnessabbeyfellowship.org
