Our next Meet the Tudors event is on Saturday 12th October.
Read on for more information about our 2023 event.
Who was Robert Arkenstall?
In 1640, Robert Arkenstall left money in his will for the foundation and maintenance of a free school in Haddenham as well as money to pay for poor children to be apprenticed in London and elsewhere, yet many people in the village are unaware of who he was or when he lived.
The Meet the Tudors event in October 2023 included a display of information about him dating back to 1575 and including a family tree and photos of his will (with a transcription) and other documents. There was also a detailed timeline and more general display put together by the Local History Group.
 Meet the Tudors – learning about wool and spinning |
 Meet the Tudors – dyeing wool |
A group of experienced Tudor re-enactors demonstrated everyday activities that would have been commonplace during the lifetime of Robert Arkenstall: making wooden spoons, carved wooden ornaments, willow baskets, felt hats, butter and cheese; spinning wool and talking about the plants used to dye wool; talking about food that would have been eaten; embroidery, as would have been done by the wealthier women, and card games of the time. In addition, John Shippey ran some very popular sessions on Shakespearean
sonnets.
 Meet the Tudors – butter and cheese |
 Meet the Tudors – basket weaving |
The Trustees and volunteers served many cups of tea and pieces of cake. There were more
than 120 visitors of all ages (there was free admission for children). All those who attended were enthusiastic and interested and suggestions have already been made that the event could be repeated next year. The re-enactors were volunteers, so all the proceeds from the entry fees and refreshments went to the Arkenstall Centre.
 Meet the Tudors – carving spoons |
 Meet the Tudors – embroidery |
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Thank you to Ruth Bramley for organising this event.