Wot I did today

[EC2]

I spent today at Cannon Hall near Barnsley, talking to the region's readers groups who had all gathered for a get together, a talk by me, communal lunch, and then an afternoon split into groups doing various things round the hall. I joined in and got to make cherry scones and churn butter in the Victorian Kitchen - probably as a penance for demonstrating Medieval underpants in the course of my talk (the blue garment I'm holding!) Back home now and better get back to work!

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz241/Marshalcastle/talks/BraiesatCannonHall.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz241/Marshalcastle/talks/BILD1212-Copy.jpg

[SarahWoodbury]

Hmmm. I think I need a sabbatical in England :)

[Misfit]

I'll second that plus take one of them cherry thingies ;):)

[EC2]

I'll second that plus take one of them cherry thingies ;):)

They have a lot of school parties through here, so all the tables were at child height. We got a mixing bowl each with self-raising flour, sugar and margarine to rub in, added egg and milk, mixed to a dough, patted into rounds, cut a cross on each one and put a cherry in each quarter and then the lady in the mob cap and apron put them in the range to cook. We got to take them home afterwards too!
I think it's a great idea for the library services people up in that part of Yorkshire. They have a really cohesive thing going with the reading groups and treat days out like this are great for the members. They don't just get an author, they get a lovely venue, lunch, and something else to do too, and all with their friends/acquaintances, so it's a real social occasion. I'd certainly join if I lived in that catchment area!

[michellemoran]

I am 1000 kinds of jealous. Looks like so much fun!!!!

[LoveHistory]

Wow! You had me at cherry scones.

[chuck]

Like the blue knickers.....

[Nefret]

I'll second that plus take one of them cherry thingies ;):)

Yes, I agree. That looks fun.

[Vanessa]

Sounds and looks like a great day! And the scones look yummy!! They look a little like Betty's Fat Rascals (http://www.bettysbypost.com/product/Bettys-Fat-Rascals,19172,37.aspx)

A lovely idea. I can't imagine my local library doing something like that.

[EC2]

Sounds and looks like a great day! And the scones look yummy!! They look a little like Betty's Fat Rascals (http://www.bettysbypost.com/product/Bettys-Fat-Rascals,19172,37.aspx)


I didn't know Betty's did mail order Vanessa - very useful, thanks. You are an enabler as the saying goes :) I will bookmark. Yes, I can see the similarity, but the Fat Rascals would be a bit more enriched I think.

Edited because I forgot to add re the library that their next project is in the summer. They're hiring Regency costumes and having a Jane Austen day at Cannon hall for the reading groups. Members will dress up in the costumes, sit on benches outside in the grounds (hope it isn't raining!) and read pieces of Jane Austen aloud to other reading group members and passers by. Others will stroll around the grounds in costume to create a Regency ambience, and there'll be themed food. Superb!

[sweetpotatoboy]

Wow! You had me at cherry scones.

And one of the kids on Junior Masterchef yesterday made cranberry scones! Yum.

[LoveHistory]

I didn't know Betty's did mail order Vanessa - very useful, thanks. You are an enabler as the saying goes :) I will bookmark. Yes, I can see the similarity, but the Fat Rascals would be a bit more enriched I think.

Edited because I forgot to add re the library that their next project is in the summer. They're hiring Regency costumes and having a Jane Austen day at Cannon hall for the reading groups. Members will dress up in the costumes, sit on benches outside in the grounds (hope it isn't raining!) and read pieces of Jane Austen aloud to other reading group members and passers by. Others will stroll around the grounds in costume to create a Regency ambience, and there'll be themed food. Superb!


It's exactly this kind of thing that makes me wish sometimes that I'd been born in England. There's nothing Jane Austen nearby. I'd have to go to Madison or most likely even farther for something like that.

[Tanzanite]

I want a William Marshall shield too!! (whining and pouting and stomping feet)

[Misfit]

I want a William Marshall shield too!! (whining and pouting and stomping feet)

Hehe. Me too ;)

I am thinking we need a closer look at those medieval underthingies. Hard to tell how they really work from that pic.

[Vanessa]

They look the sort which come up to under your armpits sort of underthingies!!!:D

[EC2]

You want to see what Braies and hose look like close up?
Your wish is my command!
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz241/Marshalcastle/DSCF0579-Copy.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz241/Marshalcastle/DSCF0580-Copy.jpg

[fljustice]

Any good resources on underwear through the ages/across cultures? I know the Romans wore a triangular loin cloth called a subligaculum, but haven't researched any other eras.

[Misfit]

:D:o:eek:

Lol, thanks for the close up. I have a better idea now :p

[EC2]

:D:o:eek:

Lol, thanks for the close up. I have a better idea now :p

Imagination has to take an author a long way when it comes to visualising a hero looking sexy in this kind of apparel!
It was a laugh taking those photos. The guy in the pics is a friend's husband and was getting changed into civvies after a show, ready for the drive home. I told him to hold it while I took a photo of braies and hose in situ. Then he suddenly whipped round, and gave me the full frontal while yelling loudly!:D
Let's hope for no such goings on at Nottingham Castle next weekend!

[annis]

Have to say that the braies & hose combo looks pretty cumbersome, and with all those straps and such would be a right pain in the whatsit to deal with :)

[Vanessa]

Wow! Not the most sexiest of garments, I must say! LOL.