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The Sealed Knot at the Garden
The amazing history of Middleton Hall is coming back to the future at the National Botanic Garden of Wales thanks to the world-famous re-enactment experts Sealed Knot.
“Sir Henry Vaughan’s company of foote” is coming to Carmarthenshire over the weekend of September 30th and October 1st to bring to life the history of the civil war in Wales.
The year is 1642 and the country has been plunged into a civil war involving the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) led by Oliver Cromwell and the Royalists (Cavaliers) led by the King.
Up to this point, South Wales has been on the side of the Royalists but many local landowners had sympathy towards the Parliamentarian cause and could be persuaded to switch sides.
Henry Middleton, son and nephew of two of the founders of the East India Company is at home in Middleton Hall on the estate created by his family’s new found wealth. Henry is a merchant, landowner, magistrate and High Sheriff of Carmarthenshire, but he’s also ‘new money’ and the crucial question is: which side is he on?
Various characters will help bring this fascinating period in our history to life and visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in 17th century life. Costumed actors will be on hand to regale you with stories of the lives of local people, and their thoughts and feelings about the Civil War that was tearing the country apart. Witness at first hand, local soldiers practising their musketry skills.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to find out what life was like for children during this period and youngsters can try their hand at traditional games and toys. There will be lots to see and do for the whole family.
Admission to the Garden is £10.50 (including Gift Aid) for adults and £4.95 for children over five. Entry is FREE for Garden members and parking is free for all.
For more information about this or other events, call 01558 667149 or email info@gardenofwales.org.uk
Find out more on the Garden’s fascinating history here.
The autumn has arrived!
It was the autumn equinox last week, and the Garden is a wonderful place to visit this season.
Roll on crisp walks among the beautiful autumn colours here!
Collect an Autumn Tree Trail from the Gatehouse as you visit to learn more on the rich variety of trees here.
Antiques Weekend
The National Botanic Garden will once again play host to another fabulous Antiques Weekend, on the 7th and 8th of October.
Antiques, collectables, retro and vintage will take centre stage among the rare and endangered blooms here, and entry will be just £4 per person during this special weekend.
Members, Bring a Friend – Free of Charge!
Remember, remember: all of September is ‘Members: bring a friend, FREE of charge’ month at the National Botanic Garden of Wales – and there’s now only a few days left to take advantage of this brilliant offer.
Your membership card will act as if it has a “plus one” facility attached to it – every single day of September.
And there’s plenty to see and do during this special month.
For information about becoming a member of the National Botanic Garden call Jane on 01558 667118 or email membership@gardenofwales.org.uk
The British Bird of Prey Centre
There are awesome encounters to be had EVERY day at the National Botanic Garden’s brand-new attraction – The British Bird of Prey Centre – with a daily flying display at 2:30pm!
You’ll be able to enjoy amazing flying displays by a Jack Merlin, Red Kites, a Barn Owl and many more!
Heritage Tours
On the first Wednesday and the last Friday of the month, from October to March, come and learn more on the Garden’s fascinating history. Starting at 2pm from the Western Entrance of the Great Glasshouse.
Terrain is uneven and can often be muddy; please wear sturdy footwear.
Welly Wednesdays have returned!
Every Wednesday during term-time, there’s an hour of fun, outdoor activities for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups! Starting at 11am from the Gatehouse.
For more information, please contact the Education Department on 01558 667150.