From the Forest

Some of the trees at Hanbury Hall

Hanbury Hall was built on earth from which once grew the dark heart of the Greater Feckenham Forest. Join with us in celebrating the murky delights of this mysterious and enchanting location by discovering Stories from The Forest this half term.

From childhood, we are familiar with the dark delights of the forest, instinctively knowing it as a place of danger, but also as a place of magic. Stories help us to embellish and enrich these fantasies; think of Hansel and Gretel uncovering a ginger-bread cottage in the dark heart of the woods, or Harry Potter and friends encountering hideous beasts in The Forbidden Forest. It is stories like these that we hope to explore with you, surprising and delighting you at every turn!

Vivid autumnal colour down in Kytes Orchard
Vivid autumnal colour down in Kytes Orchard
Vivid autumnal colour down in Kytes Orchard

British folklore is full of stories, songs, dances, customs and crafts that have been passed on from one person to another. There is not a ‘true’ or ‘real’ version of these stories as they are constantly changing, being retold in in slightly different ways. These stories tell us the history of the land and its people. 

One of the Cedar Trees at Hanbury Hall
One of the Cedar Trees at Hanbury Hall
One of the Cedar Trees at Hanbury Hall

Where Hanbury Hall now stands was once the heart of the Greater Feckenham Forest. This October, we will be rediscovering some of the little known Stories From the Forest, through the unusual and beautiful trees that still surround us; from the Norse God, Thor who protects the sacred Oak to the tree spirits and fairies who meet in secret beneath the Hawthorn.

Autumn colours at Hanbury Hall
Hanbury Hall in autumn
Autumn colours at Hanbury Hall

From the Forest will be at Hanbury Hall every day from the Friday 25 October – Sunday 3 November. The house will be open, free flow from 11am with last entry to the house at 4:30pm.