Pilgrimage and Protection

Saturday 10^th April 2010
 10.30 am – 4.00 pm

Tutor: Tom Hughes

Going on a journey to a sacred place to worship, achieve spiritual grace or gain protection is an ancient rite that echoes in some of the superstitions we still observe today - throwing coins in wells and giving brides cardboard horse shoes are just two of the most common.

There are many examples of this practice amongst artefacts found at Blackden. For instance, we have a 14th century pilgrim's ampulla for carrying holy water back from the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Using illustrations from the period and artefacts we shall examine the concept of the medieval pilgrimage, exploring reasons why people went, what they found at the shrines and what they brought back.

In the afternoon we shall examine the various ways the site and the houses built on it were protected. We shall take a tour of the Old Medicine House to see markings carved in beams and examine apotropaic objects from Blackden including hidden shoes, a dried cat and foundation burials. We shall consider the survival of these traditions, which continued in parallel to worship in the Christian church.

Landscapes and Legends

Saturday 22^nd May 2010
 10.30 am – 4.00 pm

Tutor: Tom Hughes

Why should boggy ground lead to tales of dragons? Why are mermaids associated with sunken bells in lakes?  And as 2010 is the 50th anniversary of the publication of The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, we shall be asking what lies behind the Legend of Alderley.

Join us to explore the many legends of Cheshire, from such marvels to curious folktales of fools and hidden treasure. Tales will be told in the traditional manner.  Then we shall consider the landscapes of Cheshire and examine why such stories might arise and whether they contain a grain of truth.  If the weather is clement, we shall venture into a place of story and song.  Sturdy footwear will be needed.

Medieval Music for Midsummer

Saturday 27^th June 2010
 12.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Musician: Richard York

The Old Medicine House will be the venue for a celebration of medieval music. The fabric of the building with its timber-frame walls and tiled floor creates a unique acoustic that enhances the sound of any music, and especially music played on period instruments.

During the lunchtime event we shall experience the sounds of the medieval world: the everyday tunes heard in markets and workplaces, music for dances and for celebrations, and the sacred music of the Church.

We shall listen to stories of medieval musicians and hear the sounds of harp, bagpipes, shawm and other instruments of the period performed by Richard York.

We shall also discover why Midsummer was such an important time for musicians in Cheshire.

Herbs: Properties and Potions

Saturday 24^th July 2010
 10.30 am – 4.00 pm

Tutor: Sue Hughes

A day course in the Old Medicine House examining and exploring plants from the newly established herb garden to make your own lotions and potions.  You will learn about the uses and properties of herbs and make some soap, syrup, ointment and cream.  It's also a hands-on way to discover more about the history and folklore of herbs and an opportunity to see related replica Medieval and Tudor equipment.

The making of the lotions and potions will take place in the kitchen of the Old Medicine House which is down some stairs.  This activity and the selecting of the herbal ingredients from the garden are likely to be messy, so come suitably dressed.