Museum of Childhood

It was  a pretty wet miserable day today, and one I reminded the kids that will continue probably till summer decided to grace the UK again.   We really have been blessed with beautiful weather and a real summer, so we can't complain once Autumn starts to remind us its nearly done and dusted. 

Nearby in Sudbury, there is a museum of Childhood, which we spent a few hours in. It goes through what childhood toys, responsibilities and roles children took on over the ages.

We have been to Quarry Mill a few months back so the kids had some idea about the Industrial age and all the changes in a family structure with child labour coming about though the mill and mines. Both kids had some hands on experiences climbing up a fake chimney to see what it might have been like being a sweep.

We were frog marched into an 1876 Victorian Marms classroom, where the kids learnt what it was like to be in a classroom back then. 

They wrote on slates and did a lesson on poetry, as well as learning some of the good old fashioned ethics instilled into kids back in the day. Its surprising ( an quite shocking) how much of it is still a huge influence in schools today. I've always known that schools aren't there to educate, but to pacify and to brainwash the masses in becoming a complacent workforce. At least the Victorian schools didn't make any bones about coming out and saying it. 

The toys and collections were drawn from two main collectors items and ranged from items in the early 16th century to modern day toys. We were fascinated with the mechanical toys from the 16th century, not realising that the clockwork systems were so intricate back then. 

Baking Time

I've gotten my farm/housewife groove on again; feeling relax and creative enough to want to cook things other than utilitarian meals. 

I have a pretty free hand in what I cook, so am introducing some of my favourite treats  and tried and true recipes. 

We made Anzac bikkies ( crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle.. mmm just perfect)

And Ive just made the worlds best scones. Light fluffy and moist. My Aunty Pam would be proud! 

After picking heaps of blackberries, I made a huge batch of blackberry jam - jars and jars of it.. and it was super yummy!

And with that much jam..what does one do?  make Jam drops of course.. Its something I believe they ( the UK) don't do much here.

I am pretty happy that my cooking has been well received. It been relaxing and a treat for me to do. We still have a few more days here, so muffins, cakes and more desserts are planned.

Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire

The Lords Vernon have lived in Sudbury Hall since the early 1700s. Its grandeur captured film scouts attention and it has been the setting for a number of films and TV shows, including Pride and Prejudice.

It has as stunning formal garden overlooking an ornamental lake ( with boat house) but the stand out feature for me was the Long Hall - 135 feet long and built specifically to house the portraits of all the family members over the years.

I've always been a bit of a sucker for libraries, and the tiny one they have is stacked from bottom to ceiling with books - but its the way its shelved that I adored. Winding staircase and book step ladders, coupled with the musty smell of pages and wood.. hmmm.. dreamy.

It was a welcome retreat to come to this Mansion and not have to be jostled by the crowds. The kids trail was probably one of the best we have come across for National Trust - so well done to the folk who put it together. Lilly was really involved with tracking down all the clues in every room, which ultimately gave her a story about how restoration is done and what causes the decline in quality of the homes and furnishings.