Information on Loughborough

An English Civil War household at Donington le Heath

Posted on 30/01/2010

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

25 January 2010

An English Civil War household at Donington le Heath

On Sunday, January 31st Donington le Heath Manor House will host the Society of the Open Rope in a recreation of an early 17th century household.

Donington le Heath Manor House was built in the 13th century, but was updated and remodelled by the Digby Family in around 1620.

The re-enactment will portray a range of people undertaking their daily tasks, including food preparation, writing and ink making, spinning, clothes washing and some leatherworking. The costumes and equipment will be of the style worn and used when the new windows were put into the Manor House.

The men of the household will be cleaning their weapons in case they’re needed in this time of troubles.

Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and well-being, Councillor David Sprason, said “Having enthusiastic costumed interpreters interacting with the public like this is the best way to bring a historic house like Donington to life.

“Donington is a very special building and we are pleased that groups such as the Open Rope are keen to come and spend time explaining about life in the past there.”

The 17th Century Manor House runs from 11am- 4pm and admission is free.

Visitors will also be able to see the new temporary exhibition at the Manor House, “The Making of the Yeomen of the Guard”, which charts the history of the Queen’s Bodyguard from the Battle of Bosworth to the present day.

For further information please contact Richard Knox, Keeper of Donington on 0116 3058327. For more information on Donington and its events visit www.leics.gov.uk/donington

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