Winchelsea Heritage Open Days

About

Winchelsea Heritage Open Days will be one of 5,000 held across England. HOD is co-ordinated by the National Trust and their commitment is to protect local heritage places, with communities working together to achieve this. Last year, some unusual sites were opened, including a talk about the murky world of Sheffield's drains and how they shaped the city.

Our four sites are not so dark, but we do have a new one opening - The Stables.
This site and Blackfriars' cellar are linked because, in 1976, a vast amount of pottery sherds were discovered in the cellar - it seems to have been used as the unofficial town dump. This important assemblage, which is stored in the Stables, gives an insight into the social status of the town and the range of ceramics in use from the 19th century. It is currently being sorted and recorded by volunteers from Winchelsea Archaeological Society..

Free tours of Blackfriars' cellar, which is the largest and most interesting cellar in Winchelsea, are offered at 11am on Saturday 8th and at 11am and 2pm on Sunday 9th.

The Stables will be open from 11am to 12.30pm on Saturday 8th and 11am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 3.30pm on Sunday 9th.

The Methodist Chapel, a unique building of 1785 that is virtually unchanged and from where John Wesley would have preached his sermons, opens from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 8th, with free entry and light refreshments served.

The Court Hall will display an illuminating exhibition titled 'Men and Women and how they have shaped Winchelsea's Heritage' and entry is free on both days. Tea, coffee and cakes will be served.

The Museum is open both days from 12pm to 4pm with free entry on Saturday 8th only.

Other principal medieval structures in the town that are worth looking at are the three Gates; Pipewell Gate, Strand Gate and New Gate and the Town Well. On the day you will be able to pick up a leaflet, which will include a map, showing where all the sites are located.

Come along and explore all we have to offer and I do hope you have an enjoyable visit. The weekend promises to be of interest, and although St Thomas' Church is not formally involved, it will be open and everyone is most welcome. Having read the brief biography about Dr Douglas Strachan at the exhibition you may find that you look at the stained glass windows in the church in a different light.