On our busy Tuesday (July 8) one of my favorite stops was the National Center of Welsh History and Culture in St. Fagan's, north of Cardiff. Bearing a strong resemblance to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan - only spanning more centuries - this "museum" is really a collection of historic buildings from around the country, restored accurately including furnishings. There was a thatched home dating from 1607 (at right); a lovely formal gardens; farm buildilngs and genuine Welsh sheep; and - perhaps most interesting - a series of workers' row houses dating in sequence from the 1700s to 1980, showing the progress of home life for the working classes.
At left, the girls pose in one of the earlier houses of that set of row houses. In each, the living/dining/cooking room is maybe 12' x 12'. A tiny back room barely holds a twin bed, and a very narrow stairs in the corner would lead to the attic "bedrooms" for most of the family. Forget privacy in any of those centuries.If we hadn't been in a hurry to get to the "Big Pit" coal mine (certainly worth the visit, really spectacular place) I could have spent several more hours at St. Fagan's. You could tell how carefully, even lovingly, everything had been set up. The collection was spread over many acres, which made it all peaceful but meant we just couldn't get to it all. If anyone reading this Blog intends to visit Wales, be sure to give yourself a good chunk of time at this excellent national treasure. Did I mention it's free to get it? (Thanks to the taxpayers of Wales. Cheers!)
-Susan
Posts
2 comments:
I am so enjoying reading your blog postings! I did try to respond once and couldn't seem to make it work - so let's try again. It sounds as though you are really having a wonderful time. I am particularly envious of the trip to York, the cream tea, and believe it or not, the trip in the coal pit. I love the school uniforms! Now Em - you must stay on your feet for the remainder of the trip - no more falling and cutting open your leg!! We are keeping the Carters busy; I think they had the typical American 4th of July. And you'll be glad to know that the Precision Book Cart Drill Team (otherwise known as the Freedom Readers) successfully defended our first place title in the Novelty category at the Mayville parade! Remember to take pictures of the library in Wales. You should know that the Altar Guild is thinking of order both Eric & Susan some chain mail suits to wear under your albs in the event disgruntled listeners of sermons don't like what they hear!!
Be safe, have fun, and remember that we miss you.
Love, Catherine
I'm only just now catching up with your blog - what wonderful pictures! Our weather's been alternating between rainy and very, very warm - today was near 90! Cathy Basile and I took the Carters to Niagara Falls - they were suitably impressed! We got fairly soaked on the Maid of the Mist, but it was lots of fun! I'm terribly jealous - those pictures of the countryside and the churches speak to my heart! Tomorrow is the Carters last Sunday with us - that went fast! We miss you all!
Love, Donna (and Jay & Rachel)
Post a Comment