Torrington 1646 - What is within?
Exhibition
The only part of your visit without one of our wondrous, larger than life and probably slightly deranged costumed guides.
This is the only part where nobody talks at you, so make the most of it while you have the chance.
Read about life at the time of the battle. There is also witchcraft within — you may call a computer within your time — that helps you decide which side you would have fought on during the English Civil War.
The exhibition includes our own “Collingwood Gallery” a range of 17th Century prints by Chris Collingwood.
The Walkway
A guide will take you through a reconstruction of Great Torrington town as it was on the night of the battle itself.
You will learn the watchwords – do be sure to listen carefully. As you travel through the dark streets be mindful of the barrels that are near the church!
Meet the Doctor, visit the Shambles, and the Black Horse alehouse.
Tis a little dark within, but fear not, we will take good care of you.
The Linhay
You may see the musket balls being made, and hear where the lead and gunpowder came from.
Hear the soldier’s story of the battle, in front of a roaring fire.
You may be able to handle the swords and learn how important etiquette between gentlemen was in our time.
Physic Garden
Learn about herb lore and how the plants were use to treat many ailments of the time.
We also have many culinary, strewing and dying herbs. Have a care mistress as to how much knowledge of herbs you admit to; you may be accused of being a witch.
If the weather is good, see, touch and smell the plants in our own physic garden and admire the wondrous view and look over to the leper fields and the River Torridge below.
Weaponry
See how the soldiers had to do pike drill, have a go yourself and join our pike block.
We have a non-discriminatory pike person policy, everyone is welcome to join in, and we even have little pikes for small folk.
You may see the musket being fired and possibly even a sword fight.
Please Note: Weaponry displays are ‘weather permitting’.
Costumes & Armour
We shall seek volunteers, (often volunteered by your comrades), to dress in armour. Will you be a cavalry soldier or a pikeman? We shall make goodly soldiers of you, but we do warn thee to check the helm - for it do have many uses!
Mistresses, fear not if you be overly slim, we shall teach thee the secret of the bum-roll, and whether you shall be cross-laced or straight.
Use your mouse to scratch and sniff the bucket to find out what we do use to bleach the linen!*
*Disclaimer - Not all computers have smell-a-vision and therefore this may not work on some computers.
Barber Surgeon
You may meet the Barber Surgeon.
We are happy to demonstrate and perform many of the surgical procedures of the time.
We have our own version of the NHS (No Hope Surgery), so if you are on a waiting list, fear not, we may be able to deal with any medical problems during your visit at no extra charge.
We specialise in ailments of the bowel and dealing with problems in the mumblepins.
Witchcraft
You may meet the witch.
Could you have been accused if witchcraft in our time?
How did we find out of you were guilty and what was your punishment?
Coffee Shop
Our Café offers a full range of beverages, snacks and light meals. All of our products are sourced locally and we can cater for various dietary needs.
Our garden area is available if you wish.
Our gift shop carries a full range of souvenirs including musket balls made on the premises, T-shirts and locally made cider.
