It is said that 51 Fleetgate is considered to be the oldest residential dwelling in North Lincolnshire, dating back to as early as 1325. Every so often open days are held here for the public to view the house and learn about the fascinating history it has preserved within its walls. Today I went along for the first time to see for myself. If you have missed the opening today, you can still visit tomorrow (Sunday 13th) between 10-4.
This large oak framed hall at the back of the building was an extension started around 1425. The room was thatched and open from floor to roof, the scale and quality of this room indicates that at the time of building there was a wealthy owner, the probability of that being a Merchant trading on the Humber is thought to be quite high. Where the table is in the middle of the room would once have been a wood fire, set in the middle of the floor. The smoke would find its way through louvers in the thatch.
Downstairs in the Scullery
Which contains many fascinating objects for food preparation and washing.
In the back garden, Annabel tries her hand at a traditional game.
In the front room, bottles of various liquids.
This is a delightful little place and if this blog entry has whetted your appetite for a visit to no. 51 then I suggest you act on that impulse and take in a visit. It really is a lovely way to spend an hour or so. Not only are there many historical artifacts to see and learn about, but you can take tea in the garden and try your hand at various traditional games, none of which I might add are very easy!
Aside from tomorrow, the next Open Day is on the 28th of November (10am-8pm) and that will be in conjunction with the Barton Christmas Fair. Apparently, there will be servings of mulled wine and Mince Pies as well as the house being adorned with traditional Victorian Decorations. Sounds good to me!
For more info visit: www.bartoncivicsociety.co.uk or www.inbarton.co.uk
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