[O]n 23rd July you will be able to take a trip back in time and discover how Victorian tourists enjoyed at day out amongst the ruins of Furness Abbey.
In the Victorian period a trip to the historical site of Furness Abbey was a must for any trip to the Lake District. Every summer many tourists would flock to the site to enjoy a wander around the romantic ruins, soaking up the atmosphere, the history and the fresh country air. They would often bring a picnic to devour while sitting on the grass between the sandstone walls that rose around them.
In 1848 Queen Victoria even visited the abbey. She came with her lady in waiting, Lady Augustus Bruce, who wrote of their trip:
“We started in an open carriage with the dear Queen and had a charming drive to the Abbey, which far surpassed anything I had anticipated, so beautiful it was, and so extensive”
The site was a popular haunt of William Wordsworth as well, he visited often and wrote several poems about the ancient ruin.
People of the Victorian era, as well as visiting sites of historical importance, enjoyed a good fait and would often hold them at historic sites like Furness Abbey, here they would perform music, play games and even enjoy guided tours.
On the 23rd July you will be able to experience such an event at Iron Shepherds Living History’s Victorian Fun & Games at Furness Abbey.
Between 10am and 5pm there will be a variety of traditional toys and games to play with, performances from a Dalton Town Brass Band, the Furness Morris Dancers and the Furness Nightingales. There will be tours of the site during the day, refreshments from Abbey Mill Cafe and much merriment.
A perfect day out for all the family!
Victorian Fun & Games at Furness Abbey | 23rd July 2017 | 10am – 5pm
