Open Day at the Old Medicine House 19th May

[Tom H]

The Old Medicine House, near Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, is opening its doors to the public on Saturday 19th May. Though there are tours for groups, adult courses and schools workshops through the year, the Old Medicine House doesn't currently have many Open Days for general public, so this will be a great opportunity to get a glimpse inside. I first visited about five years ago and loved the place, returning to volunteer many times since.

The house is part of the Blackden Trust, and is a timber frame building dating to around 1500, it was originally the home of an apothecary, but later was an inn, a family home and a store for Johnson's XX oils - a late 19th century cure-all. The house was saved from demolition and re-erected at Blackden. Amongst its many intriguing features are a rare timber frame chimney and dozens of apotropaic markings.

There will also be displays of archaeology found on the site at Blackden spanning the past 10,000 years, a look at various historic uses of herbs and spices sold by the apothecary, a mystery objects challenge and stories and informal performances of period music.

Blackden is also home to the writer Alan Garner and there will be a display of his books along with artefacts that inspired his works.

Also, tea and cakes served in the garden, where you'll also be able to see the exterior of Toad Hall - a long house, a Saxon round shaft and other historic features, alongside modern interpretations of the site's history including a labyrinth and herb garden.

Have a look at http://www.theblackdentrust.org.uk

It will be open from 10.30-3.30 on Saturday 19th May and admission is £5 which goes to support the work of the Blackden Trust. The postcode is CW4 8BY and the route to the Old Medicine House will be signed from nearby Goostrey.

[Maranella]

Sounds very interesting.
Will be there after lunch and bring along a few others if poss.

[Maranella]

Tried to reply before but managed to mess it up somehow

This sounds very interesting and we hope to be there after lunch sometime this afternoon and bring along another body or two!