Derbyshire: Derby Cathedral Center

Located across Iron Gate from the Cathedral Derby Cathedral Centre offers more than just your regular gift shop. They also have a sweet little coffee/tea shop and in the basement the Cathedral Treasury.

Let’s start with the gift shop, it isn’t just your regular gift shop, yes there are religious items, prayer books bibles and the like but there are also local products and crafts. Since it was early January there were some very good sales on Christmas items, in fact, I bought some very English Christmas cards.  If you are on my list you may just get one next year. Sharply discounted Christmas puddings and cakes were also offered. I looked over the local jellies, jams, and chutneys as well but the packaging was just too generous to make carrying them practical. They also have the usual tea towels postcards and souvenir items that you would expect.

We stopped at the restaurant to get a bite to eat since it was after 2:30 and we were a bit peckish. I ordered a bowl of their tomato and red pepper soup with a grainy roll. Al had a jacket potato with cheddar cheese that was so buried under the cheese it was hard to find the potato. Cubby had the same as Al and Joe had a jacket potato with just butter. For dessert Al and I shared a piece of very good lemon cake, it tasted homemade. They had a full range of sandwiches and melts as well as a couple of hot food choices. If you want to have lunch here you must arrive by 2:30, afterward, they only serve tea, they do however serve breakfast.

On the lower level is the treasury of Derby Cathedral.  Some chalices from the Cathedral as well as some from other parishes in the Diocese are kept here for safekeeping. You will also get to see the Bishops crosier. Nothing outstanding down here but it is worth giving it a look all the same. Among their treasures are a bible from the reign of Elizabeth 1, some Medieval fabrics, 18th century Exeter plate and a Charles I prayer book. Everything was not on display when we were there but I am sure it rotates.

If you are going to be in Derby, a visit to the Debry Cathedral Center will not disappoint. 

Derbyshire: Royal Crown Derby Tour

Royal Crown Derby has been in business since about 1750 in Derby.  The current factory has been at this four and a half acre location since 1878. Queen Victoria granted them the right to use the ‘royal” designation in 1890. You may choose to take a factory tour which are offered several times a day (be sure to call and find out exact times and make a reservation) or you can just see the decorating process and the museum. Since we have been on several factory tours we opted to just do the shorter version. 

The current cost is £5 regular £4.5 concessions (students or seniors). Our guide was Sue and she began by taking us through the entire process from slip to finished product.

We see one of the pigs that they do as a piece of green-ware, once it has been fired, glazed, transfers added and then the hand painting. It was very interesting to see how different the pig looks at the different stages. Another interesting fact is that bone china has real bone in it.

Our guide then takes us to the desk where the transfers are inspected and applied. It is a much more work intensive process than you would expect. Each of the colors on a transfer must dry for one day before a new color is added. That means it could be anywhere from seven days to 16 days, and that is for each pattern. These must then be inspected to make sure that they are perfect. 

Applying them is not an easy process either and again must be inspected to make sure it is perfect. The person who applies the transfer is called a lithographer and is paid by the piece so perfection is a good thing. Transfers can be removed until the piece is fired. Every lithographer has a mark that they place on every piece they work on.

One thing we learned was that if the crown on the bottom of a piece that you buy in the secondary market is scratched in any way no matter what kind of button it has the piece is a second.

The next process is the gilder. That is the job that Sue usually does and she uses the initial S. She showed us the way she applies the gilt. The bristles on her bush are made of squirrel fur. When I bought my little pin try in the shop at the end of the tour I made sure it had a letter S on it.

We then watched Jackie work on a $4000 peacock with handmade flowers, loads of hand painting and enough gilding to make it a truly unique and spectacular piece. These are among the many pieces that can be ordered on commission, in other words you can have it your way.

All the flowers are hand done and they employ only one flower maker these days. It takes him half a day to do the flowers for one of the peacocks.

On the second floor of the Visitor Center is the museum. It has rooms filled with cases of gorgeous bone china. I found several pieces that I would love to own, my favorite was an egg cruet with egg cups from the 1820’s. As an egg cup collector it would have been a delightful; addition to my collection.

When you are finished with the museum you can head to the shop. There are plenty of bargains to be had. Some of the dinner sets were marked 50% off. There were paper weights at one for full price a second at half price. I got 10% off my pin tray.

There are also cases filled with the best that Royal Crown Derby has to offer.

If you are hungry there is a café where we stopped to have lunch. They offer sandwiches, several hot cooked meals and tea and cakes. It was served cafeteria style and was appropriately priced.

Old Sturbridge Village Christmas by Candlelight

If you have never visited Old Sturbridge Village at Christmastime you are missing something quite wonderful. The village is decked out with lights and greenery and there are plenty of activities for people of all ages. 

We purchased tickets for Christmas by Candlelight on the OSV website. You choose between tickets for Friday and Sunday or for Saturday night. You also have the option of dining at the village. 

We made reservations for the buffet upstairs at the Bullard Tavern. They offered 3 seatings.It included a salad and wonder bread basket, a carving station and plenty of veggie choices. This was followed by dessert and coffee. The quality of the food was excellent. You can also chose to dine at the cafeteria on the lower level at Bullard Tavern. 

You will receive a program guide and map for Christmas by Candlelight. Docents are located in the buildings and there are lots of things to do and see. You can learn how to dance the only dance mentioned in The Christmas Carol at the Parsonage Barn or listen to singer and dancers at The Meeting House. The tinsmith will let children make an icicle. For adults you can make a sachet that smells delicious and try your hand at some of the toys of yesteryear. 

A horse drawn wagon is available for rides and hot mulled cider was offered to take the chill off at one of the house. 

We had a wonderful time and I would highly recommend it for anyone who needs to get into the Christmas spirit. I left humming and even singing Christmas Carols, it was infectious. 

Virginia Jamestown Fall Visit

Recreated Jamestown at the Jamestowne Settlement

Ship at the Jamestowne Settlement

Commemorative cross at the location of Jamestown

Jane who died and was cannibalized

Al on the boardwalk going to Jamestown

Yes I was here too enjoying myself

Sculpture of Pocahantas

Jamestowne Settlement and Jamestown are great places to visit at any season of the year. 

The first two photos are from Jamestowne Settlement and the rest are from the National Parks Jamestown. Both are worth visiting and offer different experiences while educating about the same events.

A Colonial Christmas Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center

‘A COLONIAL CHRISTMAS’ EXPLORES HISTORICAL HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, YORKTOWN VICTORY CENTER

WILLIAMSBURG, Va.,

 

History makes the holidays fun at Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center during “A Colonial Christmas,” December 1, 2015, through January 3, 2016. The monthlong event explores 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions with interpretive programs and, December 26-31, musical entertainment of the period.

 

The two living-history museums tell the story of our nation’s beginnings throughout the year with gallery exhibits and historical interpretation in re-created outdoor settings – a Powhatan Indian village, 1607 ships and colonial fort at Jamestown Settlement, and Continental Army encampment and Revolution-period farm at the Yorktown Victory Center.

 

Jamestown Settlement

“A Jamestown Christmas” holiday film and special interpretive programs compare and contrast English Christmas customs of the period with how the season may have been observed in the difficult early years of America’s first permanent English colony. In England, the holiday season – extending from December 25 to January 6 – was a time of merriment and feasting. While little is known about Christmases in early Jamestown, “A Colonial Christmas” activities reflect the cultural traditions recalled by English colonists.

Visitors will learn about Jamestown colony’s early years as well as the English colonists’ Christmas at sea in December 1606, the Powhatan Indian hospitality shown to Captain John Smith’s trading party in 1608 during a winter storm, and about the Lord of Misrule, a 17th-century English tradition.

In the re-created fort, visitors can see wattle-and-daub buildings decorated with greenery and demonstrations of fancy cooking. At 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on  December 19-31, fort visitors can experience riddles and revelry by the Lord of Misrule, “grand captain of all mischief.” Throughout the month, historical interpreters will discuss the English colonists’ Christmas at sea aboard the re-created ship Susan Constant and, in the re-created Powhatan Indian village, present demonstrations on typical winter activities, including food preservation and hunting tools and techniques.

Yorktown Victory Center

Hear accounts of Christmas and winter in military encampments during the American Revolution and glimpse holiday preparations on a Revolution-period farm. Visitors to the Continental Army encampment can learn about winter camp life and hear accounts of Christmas during the war, as well as assist the quartermaster in preparing military supplies and, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, observe artillery demonstrations.

At the clapboard farmhouse adorned with greenery, historical interpreters compare and contrast 18th-century holiday traditions with those of modern times and demonstrate a variety of holiday activities, including setting a farmhouse table for a holiday feast. Visitors can see open-hearth cooking in the farm kitchen and take part in periodic candle-dipping activities.

Period Holiday Music & Entertainment

In Jamestown Settlement’s re-created fort church, visitors can enjoy a variety of 17th-century holiday music and dancing at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on December 26-31, including fiddler David Gardner, Barry and Lynn Trott, and Rebecca Suerdieck. Additional performances will be offered December 19 and 20, December 26-28 and December 31. A complete schedule of performances is available online.

“A Colonial Christmas” is funded in part by a grant from James City County.

Tickets & Private Tours

A value-priced combination ticket to both museums is $21.00 for adults and $10.50 for ages 6-12 (2016: $21.25, $10.75 ages 6-12). Admission to Jamestown Settlement is $16.75 for adults and $7.75 for ages 6-12 (2016: $17.00, $8.00 ages 6-12), and to the Yorktown Victory Center, $9.75 for adults and $5.50 for ages 6-12. Children under 6 are free. Holiday packages are available with Williamsburg area attractions.

A History is Fun combination ticket – available online only – offers seven days of unlimited admission to both museums at $21.00 for adults and $10.50 for ages 6-12 (2016: $21.25 and $10.75 ages 6-12) and includes coupon booklets for Williamsburg Premium Outlets and a Historic Yorktown Rewards Card.

Christmas-themed private tours are available for an additional fee with advance reservations for a party of 14 or fewer people. Reservations can be made online or by calling (757) 253-4939.

Holiday Shopping in Museum Stores

In time for holiday shopping, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center museum shops offer a selection of books, prints, museum reproductions, educational toys, games and souvenirs relating to the 17th and 18th centuries. Admission is not required to visit the museum gift shops, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Shop online at www.shophistoryisfun.com. 

How to Get Here

Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily year-round, except for Christmas and New Year’s days. The museums are separated by a 25-minute drive along the Colonial Parkway, a National Scenic Byway. Jamestown Settlement is located on Route 31 just southwest of Williamsburg. The Yorktown Victory Center is located on Route 1020 in Yorktown. Parking is free. For more information, call (888) 593-4682 toll-free, (757) 253-4838 or visit www.historyisfun.org.

 

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Derbyshire: The Silk Mill Museum Derby

Dating from the early seventeen hundreds The Silk Mill bills itself as England’s first. It was built for the Lombe brothers to house machines copied from the Italians for doubling or twisting silk into thread. Previously this work had been done in the workers homes but these machines were too big for that. This location beside the River Derwent provided the power they needed. Today only stone foundations remain of the original building. 

As the oldest silk mill, this place has been a tourist destination for over 200 years and the people who visited were not always complimentary about the conditions at the mill. A devastating fire in 1910 destroyed a great deal of the building which was rebuilt around the tower but to only three stories, not the original five. There are gates done by the local Robert Bakewell in wrought iron.

 The building is visited on a self-guided tour. There is an elevator, take it to the second floor. Here you will learn about the beginnings of the silk industry in England. There is a mannequin of John Lombe who after you push a button will tell you the story of how he went to Italy and stole the design for their machines and brought it back to England.

 After this section, you will find many more exhibits on other industry in Derbyshire. There is an area that deals with the clay industry. This covers everything for clay piping to pottery.

 A particularly interesting section of the museum dealt with health and medicine in Victorian Derby. Some of the popular cures seem very strange to a person in the 21st century.

 If you have ever dreamed of being a railroad engineer you will have the ability to try your hand at it. Called “A Drivers Eye View” you get to sit in the driver’s seat and see the rails from that view. I personally could not stand it, it gave me motion sickness. Even a quick glance was more than I could tolerate. Everyone else seemed to enjoy it.

For the miniature rail enthusiast, there is a room with lots of track and some very interesting trains. They are not moving but still worth viewing. Al was fascinated by the signal box recreation. I found it interesting as well, I guess I never though about how this was done.

 After this, you go down the stairs to the first floor. The first exhibit there is the Power Gallery. It features a water wheel, animal power, gas, steam, wind and electric. It gives examples of each and their many uses.

Entrance to the museum is free. 2016 will see big changes to the museum see their website for updates.

Derbyshire: Pickford House Museum Derby

Part of the Derby Museum and Art Gallery along with the Silk Museum, Pickford's House is a pretty little house museum that is a snapshot of what life was like in a Georgian Household. Joseph Pickford had this home built for his family in the mid-eighteenth century. He was an architect and he had his workshop also on the property. None of the original furnishings are in the house but things that might have been there are. Stop at the gift shop and get a brochure and a photography pass if you want to take photos for your own use, the charge is one pound.

The first room you visit is the morning room. The lady of the house is seated at her pianoforte picking out a tune and there is a tea set up on the table. This room is one that may not have served this purpose when the Pickford family was in residence. There is some evidence that this room may have been Mr. Pickford's Office.

As you go into the Front Hall you will notice that there is a TV and if you choose there is a 15-minute video that you may watch, just ask the staff. We chose not to spend the time, also there are only two chairs, The Hall does, however, have a lovely ceiling, take the time to enjoy it.

The drawing room has a lovely fireplace which though no the one original to the room is from Mundy House in Wardwick, Derbyshire. It is from about 1790 and seems to be by the same man who made the fireplace for the Dining Room here at Pickford's House.

I think the Dining Room was our favorite. It is set for a dinner for six and has all the things that a formal dinner would require, a silver nutmeg grinder, Wedgwood dessert custard cups, Sheffield Plate candlesticks, Derby dessert set and ever so much more. We spent quite a while just trying to figure out what everything was. There is a servant present and he is getting things ready for the dinner.

I loved the second floor. It is filled with several rooms of costume. This is far more interesting than your usual costume museum. There is a case of Victorian woman’s Undergarments that is enough to make any modern woman shudder. There are two cases of children’s clothes, one of boys one of girls. In the next room, there is a case of the different dresses that a woman would need on any given day just to go about her day. Morning dress, walking dress, evening dress etc. You will enjoy reading the story of the clothing revolution that was going on as women, in particular, decided that comfort and practicality counted.

The third floor has a servant bedroom and The Frank Bradley Collection of Toy and Model Theatres.

The basement has a kitchen, laundry, and a brewhouse.

Pickford's House is a very entertaining museum to visit and I highly recommend it. 

Additional Places to Visit: 

Silk Museum

Derby Art Museum

Derby Cathedral