Nearly 400 people visited Newhouse Farm in Tywardreath to discover more about village life in the village in Tudor times. 

Over the May Bank Holiday weekend, Tudor re-enactment group Commotion Times portrayed life as it would have been, making butter, cheese and a range of authentic 16th-century dishes while archers demonstrated their skills with the mighty longbow.  

Visitors were able to try their hand at spinning or weaving and learn about the carefully crafted clothes men and women wore 450 years ago. Medicinal and culinary herbs were a popular topic, and many people enjoyed a foraging walk with professional herbalist Carol Thorogood.

The event included Morris dancing by Tywardreath Morris and Cat’s Eyes, Tudor music by Merv and Alison Davey, Cornish harpist Jo Tagney, singing from Kescana, a hawk and owl display from the Bird Lady of Fowey and a musical finale from Ryp an Mor.

The Tudor Life event was arranged by In Search of Tywardreath (ISOT), a local history group whose aim is to discover, highlight and document the rich history and archaeology of this area. Newhouse Farm is the site of the original Tywardreath Priory and was opened to visitors for the weekend with the support of owners Deborah and Peter Hazeldean.

ISOT chair Helen Barden said: “We were so pleased that so many took part, discovered more about our heritage and enjoyed the activities.”

The event was funded by the generous support of FEAST, the Cornwall Council Community Chest fund and contributions from Bodmin Nursery, St Blazey Co-op, Tesco, James Kittow, Par Green Card Store, and Martin Crowle of Fowey Lions.

A substantial donation will be made to Macmillan Cancer Care and Little Harbour Hospice, with all left-over food donated to STAK community kitchen.