Furness Abbey Fellowship, a local small heritage charity is holding the 7th Medieval Fair on Saturday 4th September 2021. This is a long awaited event because the 2019 event was cancelled due to high winds and last year because of Covid restrictions. We have put every effort into the fair to make it a safe environment for everyone and our committee will be on hand to direct and help people around the site.
We will be welcoming 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 a 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. Albert Harvey will be demonstrating medieval games and pastimes and visitors can have a go too.
New to the event is York Levy, re-enactors showing life in the 15th century; towards the end of the life of the abbey. We are excited to see their mummer’s play and demonstrations. Sarah Lace will be demonstrating illuminated letter writing and Owen Jones making swill baskets. We have a local history tent with Barrow Archives, Greenlane Archaeology and Friends of Dalton Castle. Rotary, who kindly help us every year will also have a stand so you can find out about their work.
Furness Abbey Fellowship will have their own stall with some interesting activities and Gill Jepson, local author will have signed books available. This event would not be complete without our friends at Abbey Mill Café supplying snacks and drinks and Mansergh Hall Farm Hog Roast for those who prefer a hot snack.
This event is funded by FAF and we would 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 confectionary.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The abbey car park is designated for Blue Badge Holders and drop off only. We are running two shuttle buses 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 entry applies: English Heritage Members and local residents are free (on production of a valid Barrow Council Tax Bill and photo ID).
www.furnessabbeyfellowship.org
