Mop Fairs, held at Michaelmas, were the events where trades people and labourers were hired for the coming year. It was an opportunity to come together before the weather turned cold and to make sure that you had staff or employment for the following year. Tudors would bring along the tools of their trade to market themselves to potential employers - a broom if you were a servant or some wool if you were a spinster. Once all the hiring was concluded it was time to celebrate towards the end of the day with fun and games. This was an important time of the year for hiring staff and Mop Fairs always ended in a celebration which we are recreating at the hall.
Visitors will be able to try out the different activities and trades. Come along and decide for yourself which of the smelly, less pleasant jobs you might find yourself doing and watch trade demonstrations from re-enactment group Amicorum.
Normal admission prices apply (free to NT members and under 5s). Activities will be running from 11:00am to 4:30pm.
