The Companye of Merrie Folke present their Tudor Fayre with many stall holders gathered at Ingatestone Hall.

Greetings visitor.  The year is 1576 and the forty-two year old Elizabeth is on the throne.  Although she had stated that she had no desire to "make windows into men's souls", there were still those who sought to stamp out Catholicism in favour of Protestantism and priests were hunted down and imprisoned for their faith.  To protect himself, just such a Priest (John Payne) is to be taken in by Lady Petre, widow of the late Lord William Petre, posing as a member of the household staff while taking care of the family's spiritual needs.  Meanwhile, the Queen's spymaster Francis Walsingham is hunting down priests wherever he can find them.  Many prominent Catholics had "priest holes" made within their homes - small secret spaces where priests could hide when necessary.  To divert attention from John Payne's arrival, a fayre is being held at Ingatestone.  Word has arrived that Walsingham's men are on their way as the Petre's are suspected of being covert Catholics.  Preparations must be made for stocking the priest holes with food and water as John may have to hide for days.  Will you discover the priest, and if you do, will you keep his secret, or inform the men-at arms of his true identity? Look to your conscience good visitor. 

Time
11:00 a.m.  to 5:00 p.m.

Admission
Please consult our normal entrance charges.

The Tudor Fayre will open at 11 am and the house will then open as normal at noon

For further information please contact:
Paul Dawson
Email: dawson-p6@sky.com
Web: companyeofmerriefolke.wordpress.com