National Trust house features local bequests in Victorian Christmas

Two recent bequests are to be displayed as part of Buckland Abbey, Garden & Estate’s Victorian Christmas this December.

The National Trust property, closely associated with Sir Francis Drake, is using Christmas to highlight the continuation of Drake’s descendants at Buckland right into the 20th century.

Both bequests will play their part in recreating a typical Victorian nursery in one room of the Abbey. It was always the wish and intention of Mrs Jean Elder, who sadly died earlier this year, to give the National Trust this intricate Victorian dolls’ house built within a display cabinet. Mrs Elder often came to Buckland with her husband, to enjoy the walks, the abbey or simply to have a coffee. Mr Elder says he is delighted to gift the dolls’ house and is thrilled it will continue to give pleasure to visitors, young and old.

Dolls’ houses date back to the sixteenth century and were owned by wealthy ladies of the aristocracy. During the eighteenth century cabinet houses, such as the one gifted by Mrs Elder, begin to appear. It wasn’t until the Victorian era, in particular the latter end of the century, that dolls’ houses became truly popular.

A second bequest of two Christening gowns comes from Mrs Soper of Tavistock. She initially approached Tavistock Museum but, being unable to accept the bequest, they put her in touch with staff at Buckland who were delighted with the gift.

Made in the late 19th century, both gowns are excellent examples of homemade needlework featuring drawn threadwork. They would have been worn at a Christening ceremony, usually in the first few months of a baby’s life, to symbolise their acceptance into the Church and Christian faith. Such gowns would have been passed down through the generations as valuable heirlooms. As the gowns won’t be required for the next generation, Mrs Soper was keen for them to continue to be seen and appreciated. 

Buckland’s House Steward, Patricia Burtnyk comments: ‘The National Trust receives all kinds of bequests, from internationally renowned artworks such as our self-portrait by Rembrandt to these intimate gifts. These local pieces are great for telling stories because they are often easier to relate to than high art.’

As part of the Christmas opening between 6 and 22 December, 12-4pm, the Abbey’s display cases and museum rooms will be screened off, with visitors taken on a different route in order to create the feeling of a lived-in family home. This will include a dining room set for a lavish festive meal, preparations for a Christmas feast in the kitchen and comfortable lounging furniture in the Great Hall.

Members of Buckland’s Costume Group have been busy stitching period outfits using authentic methods and materials for the Abbey’s volunteer room guides to wear and discuss. There will also be costumed characters around the abbey to encourage a festive and informal atmosphere. Staff hope that changing the feel of the house will allow visitors to see the Abbey in a new light, as a home for generations of the Drake family.

The Oxyard and Great Barn will also be festively decorated for the season. The Oxyard Restaurant has a special Christmas menu on the weekends available for bookings (two courses £17.95, three courses £20.95). Please call 01822 856041.

On weekends 6 - 22 December, there will be free crafts in the Abbey, local choirs singing in the Great Barn and Santa in his grotto. The price is £4.50 per child, please call 01822 853607 for further information. A storyteller will be spinning yarns in the Drake Chamber at 12pm on 8, 14 and 22 December.

On 14 December there will be a drop-in workshop on manuscript illumination, festive storytelling and a Mummer’s play from a local Morris side, all included in the entry price (free for National Trust members). The Abbey will also be open late, 5.30-8.30pm, with costumed guides and the Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir singing carols (reduced entry applies).