Muncaster Regency Talk

Muncaster is a beautiful Castle near Ravenglass in Cumbria.  It is a historic haunted building set in 70 acres of stunning wild gardens set against the Lake District fells – it is also home to the Hawk & Owl Centre.

Muncaster Castle

We were booked to present our Regency Talk with Costume Display ‘Enter the World of Jane Austen’ on Thursday 27 August and Friday 28 August 2015 as part of the ‘Living History Week’.

The wonderful hall

We presented our talks in the wonderful grand hall – a fabulous setting for a period costume display with beautiful portraits lining the walls. During my talk I used a portrait of a lady in a beautiful silver gown to show the type of garment which was worn prior to the regency era and to illustrate how the change in style was so dramatic.

Portrait of a lady in a silver gown on display in the Great Hall

Throughout the week Muncaster have had a range of history events to keep the whole family entertained – the line-up for 2015 includes the Herlid Vikings, the Iron Shepherds (Norman-era re-enactment), the 19th Foot Green Howards Crimean War and of course Renaissance Costumes with our Regency-era dresses. 

The 19th Foot Green Howards

Also included were the Red Wyverns Re-enactment Society and the Tudor Alchemist.

We stayed in the Coachman’s Quarters – a lovely period building overnight and also met members of the 19th Foot Howards Crimean War Group who were camped in the grounds.

19th Foot Green Howards

Ladies from the Crimean War group attended my talk on the Thursday and said they really enjoyed it.  The next day the ladies invited me to their camp and I had a great time chatting to them about their lovely costumes. they also kindly lent me a Victorian jacket for the photograph!

Sitting with the lovely ladies of the 19th Foot Green Howards

Apparently they were having rabbit stew on the Thursday and boiled gammon the next day- all cooked on an authentic open fire.  Sadly the tents were a bit too authentic for me I preferred the Coachman’s quartets and staying in an en-suite room!

My Regency Gentleman

My thanks to Jo and Bronwen at Muncaster Castle for all their help and support in presenting the our events – not forgetting Rachel a super girl who worked in the accommodation office.

My Jane Austen Costume

We had a really great couple of days  – Muncaster is a fabulous Castle and the staff are great.

I would love to return to Muncaster in the future to present more events and also really hope to meet the lovely  ladies of the Green Howards again.