Little Moreton Hall Mop Fair right on target

Little Moreton Hall: September 24 and 25

As an old-established farming family the Archers would know all about the Mop Fairs where, for centuries, agricultural workers and other trades people were hired.

Archers take aim at Little Moreton Hall ⓒ Alan Ingram/ National Trust

The archers at Little Moreton Hall’s Mop Fair next weekend will be a little different. They will show just how powerful and accurate longbows are in skilled hands. And they will be joined by an artillery team demonstrating the cannon, which slowly replaced the longbow on the military front line.

‘Soldiers would not have been among the people offering their services for hire at a Tudor Mop Fair,’ said Jo Williams, from Little Moreton Hall. ‘But if they were in the area, they would certainly have dropped by to join in the fun and games and eating and drinking which went on as part of the fair.’

Other trades on show at Little Moreton Hall will include baking, willow weaving, candle making and Tudor tailoring. You may want to employ a scribe or consult a local ‘wise woman’ who has secret remedies for treating illnesses and injuries.

Jo added, ‘As well as trying your hand at some of the trades, you can select a job for yourself, pick up a ‘mop’, or badge to show which skill you have, and offer your services to one of our Tudor staff who will explain your conditions of employment, including pay, accommodation and time off.

At that stage you may decide your career choice was not a good idea, but we’re sure you will have a great day out learning about the employment market as it used to be’.

The Mop Fair at Little Moreton Hall is on Saturday 24 September and Sunday 25 September.

Little Moreton Hall is open Weds – Sun, 11am – 5pm. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/littlemoretonhall or call 01260 272018.