Rufford through the ages - history comes to life!

On the A614 Nottingham to Doncaster road, 2 miles south of Ollerton. Tel; 01623 822944 (general enquiries)

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May 2005

11am to 4.30pm   Admission free (a small parking charge applied)   

Visitors stepped back in time as the fascinating history of Rufford and the surrounding area was brought to life with living history displays and entertainments from the Romans to World War Two, with the Cistercian monks, ordinary folk, soldiers and warriors that helped shape the abbey, house and estate down the centuries. the event was organised on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.

Throughout the day visitors witnessed the might of the Romans and Normans, discovered the facts behind the Robin Hood legend, listened to lively C15th music and song, and found out about everyday medieval life including within the great Cistercian monastery. Tudor folk created charcoal in a woodland kiln, puppet shows entertained the children, you could decide whether you would have been a Parliamentarian or Royalist in the civil war, but you had careful whilst exploring the grounds not to stray close to a gang of dastardly C18th highwaymen (although they in turn were being hunted by redcoats!). A smart Regency era recruiting party gave displays of drill and musket firing - and sought to persuade visitors to take the King’s shilling! Fashionable Victorians strolled, played croquet and enjoyed tea and cake in the gardens, whilst WWII troops showed how the grounds were later used as a military training facility. Nottinghamshire's volunteers in the Spanish Civil War were commemorated by a living history encampment, and a 1940's concert party rounded off a splendid weekend with music, song and fashion shows. With a continuous series of arena displays, living history, other entertainments and historical craftsmen/traders, there was always something new for families to enjoy throughout the day.

Click for photographs or an independent review of the event by photographer Des Knock.

Participating groups and performers included:

Roman: Legio VIII Augusta MGV.

Norman: Conquest

Medieval: The musical duo Hautbois, The Gasgoine, Herbert, Howard, Oxford, Stanley and Savile Households, Lincoln Guild, Blacke Dickon - 12th Century Ranger of Royal Sherwood Forest, The Ringwoods of History plus (Saturday only), the Knights Hospitalers. 

Tudor: The Tudor Group and Perrots Puppet Players

C17th: C17th Life and Times

C18th:  Stand and Deliver and The 36th Foot.

Regency: The 45th (Nottinghamshire) Regiment of Foot and Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards.

Victorian: Days gone by and The Chatelains.

1930s:  Spanish Civil War Volunteers portrayed by La Columna

WWII: The popular singing trio The Spitfires, Croix de Lorraine, Royal Norfolk Regiment and Andy Smerden on his horse Mack.

Re-enactment groups and other performers interested in taking part in our other events are invited to contact us for further details and click the link for our Standard terms and conditions for participation.

Visitor comments

The event proved extremely popular with visitors. Comments sent in after the weekend included:

"My wife Jane and I came to Rufford on 15 May to have a final viewing of the Bluebells....Just wanted you and all your colleagues to know what a splendid day we had. We talked to most of the people in the tented encampments - Jane had to keep dragging me away! We also enjoyed the re-enactments.  We very much got into the spirit of the whole day and even found out how to make charcoal.  Best of all was being "got" in the woods by the highway men-superb!!! The puppet show was masterful! Thanks for a super, well organised and thought out day. We shall certainly keep an eye on your site for future events. All best wishes".

"Just to say that this was an excellent event, thoroughly well organised, and the enthusiasm of the participants was very much appreciated. We visited Rufford without knowledge of the event, we live in Grantham Lincs, and had a truly enjoyable day. At £3 per car it was beyond excellent value".
 
From a visiting County Councillor: "I have just returned from the Rufford Through the Ages event at Rufford Country Park. May I say what an excellent event this was. It was a real credit to the County Council and so good to see so many families and young people enjoying the sunshine and learning about our heritage and history in such an enjoyable way. All the re-enactors were superb. Please pass on my congratulations to everyone involved in planning and delivering this wonderful event"

Visiting Rufford Country Park

The main entrance to Rufford is situated on the A614 Nottingham-Doncaster road, 2 miles south of Ollerton and 17 miles north of Nottingham. The park offers lots for visitors to see and enjoy:

- the remains of the 12th century Cistercian abbey with an exhibition on the life of the monks who once lived there

- craft centre and gallery with changing exhibits

- ceramics centre tracing the history of studio pottery

- craft shop

- coach house, offering a variety of snacks and drinks

- Savile Restaurant, serving home-cooked lunches and traditional cream teas

- restored former orangery and bath house

- formal gardens, including a herb garden and the Rufford Sculpture collection

- Reg Hookway memorial Arboretum with a range of trees

- lake with a variety of wildfowl

- lakeside garden shop at Rufford Mill

- outdoor living store

- teddy bear shop

- woodland walks

- remains of two ice houses

- animal graves including the famous Derby winner, Cremorne

- picnic area and children's playground

Events 2006

Click here for details of  historical events organised by EventPlan this year.

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Updated 11 June 2006