Shadows, spooks and superstition at Tudor hall

Not quite bell, book and candle but light, books and candle burns feature in a Hallowtide festival at Little Moreton Hall.

The ‘Autumn Lights’ contemporary art exhibition currently installed at the timber-framed hall near Congleton reflects parts of the building in a different, and sometimes eery, new light.

Books will provide spooky stories, read by the hall’s Tudor gentlemen and gentlewomen during Hallowtide.

And you can learn more about 230 candle- burn marks which have been a feature of the hall’s timbers for hundreds of years, providing a link to the superstition and mystery which was once an important part of everyday life.

Jo Williams, from the hall, explained: ‘The art exhibition was specially commisioned. It uses light shining through the 37,000 little panes of glass in the hall’s windows. During Hallowtide young visitors can create their own window designs, using paper and colours.

The spooky stories will be those which were popular during Tudor times. You will probably not have heard them before.

The candle burn marks were intended to defend the house against natural disasters, evil spirits and witches. They emphasise how seriously Tudor people regarded ‘other worldly’ influences and how important it was to gain some control over them. The marks seem very appropriate for the period around Halloween.’

Apple games will be another feature of Hallowtide, which runs from Saturday 22 October to Sunday 30 October (nine days).

Jo added; ’We don’t do ‘trick or treat’ because that was not around in Tudor times but Hallowtide here is always a fun event which visitors of all ages enjoy.’

Hallowtide is at Little Moreton Hall from Saturday 22 October- Sunday 30 October (nine days) Little Moreton Hall is open 11am – 5pm. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/littlemoretonhall or call 01260 272018.