Halloween as it used to be

Image:  Ghostly goings-on. Hallowtide at Little Moreton Hall ⓒ Alan Ingram/ National Trust

Visitors at Little Moreton Hall are about to experience Halloween as it was before it ‘crossed the pond’ to the U.S.A.

They will be able to listen to ghost stories and other scary tales, create charms against evil spirits, make wolf masks, and play seasonal games featuring apples.

Rachel Costigan, from the Hall, said: ‘Even in Tudor times All Hallows Day linked humour to the fear of death. People prayed for the dead and lit candles on family graves, but also staged little plays which included elements of death and fun. ‘It was discouraged after the reformation but was ‘exported’ to America. It made a comeback in England but in a modified form, including some influences from the United States.

‘Our nine-day Hallowtide festival, from 24 October to 1 November will concentrate on the original themes. Visitors will be able to join in, while they explore this wonderful Tudor building on their own or by taking one of our popular guided tours. I’m sure they will find it makes a really good day out.’

One element which will definitely not be included in the Hallowtide festival is ‘trick or treat’. Rachel explained: ‘That was added much later than the time our visitors are looking at!’

For the Hallowtide festival Little Moreton Hall will be open every day, Saturday 24 October –Sunday 1 November 11am-5pm (events 11am-4pm). For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/littlemoretonhall or call 01260 272018.

Image: A ghost in the Great Parlour. Hallowtide at Little Moreton Hall ⓒ Alan Ingram/National Trust.