Burghley House is a magnificent Elizabethan house located in the historical town of Stamford. Built between 1555-1587 it attracts thousands of visitors a year and hosts the famous Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials every September.
The weekend of the 15 & 16 October Living Heritage Craft Fairs held one of their many organised craft fairs in the grounds of Burghley House. There were several marquees housing exhibitors for cards, jewellery, pottery, artists, upholsters, clothing, glassware and food tents serving delicious homemade cakes, cheese, pies, chocolate and wine. Many of the exhibitors came from as far a field as Cheshire, Devon and Perthshire.
On entering Burghley House there was a long drive through open green spaces edged in well established trees with free roaming fallow deer. There are approximately 200 deer that graze at Burghley. The grounds were free to enter and there were families, couples and rambling groups making the most of the beautiful day. Enjoying a picnic on the grass, photographing the deer, admiring the stunning house, everyone had their own purpose.
The Craft Fair was £6 to enter. As well as the exhibitors there were also lots of demonstrations. In particular a glass demonstration by E&M Glass, this drew in the crowds. Making a 17th century wine glass from start to finish, the kiln reached temperatures of over 900 degrees and used techniques from over 400 years ago. Other demonstrations included pottery, painting, woodwork and jewellery making.
It was fantastic to hear whilst walking round the exhibitions talking to visitors with such passion and enthusiasm about their work.
On speaking with Lorna Henderson who designs and creates limited edition pieces of contemporary jewellery, she said ‘I’ve had a busy weekend and being local to me it is ideal and such a fabulous location.’
For the children there were puppet shows, ferret racing and an owl refuge tent to entertain them.
Mark Hughes from Living Heritage said ‘Burghley is normally one of our most popular craft fairs but this weekend has been average with visitor numbers being down which is disappointing in view of the strength of the weather.’
As well as exploring the grounds and admiring the external facade of the house there are guided tours of the house internally with eighteen State Rooms to view. There is also a sculpture garden which has a collection of over 25 sculptures and a bonus Garden of Surprises all set in thirteen acres of land
There are lots of events held at Burghley House throughout the year and details can be found on their website.
To view more photos from the day click here.
