Flambards has a fantastic audio tour. Learn everything about this fascinating era as you wander through the Victorian streets. Just £2.00 per handset and £1.00 refundable deposit. Please enquire at the antique shop at entry.
The Victorian Village was created of just three rooms in 1979 by Mrs. Audrey Kingsford – Hale who wanted to portray a life size recreation of the fascinating Victorian period. Through the years the village has grown to complement some 50 shops, cottages and businesses together with all the attendant trades necessary for Victorian Village life including the butcher’s shop, the bakery, the blacksmiths and the sweet shop. The streets are cobbled with granite setts, salvaged from the old streets of Bath in the 1960′s, while the wood-block floor of the school room had already felt the tread and scuffs of thousands of clogs and hob-nailed boots before being salvaged from the demolition of a Victorian school in the North of the United Kingdom and transported to Flambards.
The famous chemist’s shop alone, is worth a visit. See and listen to the story of apothecary William White’s lost time capsule. Discovered after being locked away and forgotten since 1909 in South Petherton, Somerset, the complete shop was purchased at auction by Flambards and re-assembled exactly as found some 70 years later, only without the poisons and more dangerous compounds confiscated by the Home Office.
Upon William White’s death the apothecary’s shop was sealed as his son Edward was not qualified to dispense medicines. The dispensary, complete with its chemicals and equipment can be seen in the condition in which it was discovered. With its old medicines, cures, jars and balances it gives a unique glimpse into the past…
The detail, research and settings are outstanding, deserving the nationally acclaimed awards and accolades gained over the years. Finding the words to adequately convey the atmosphere and total charm of Flambards Victorian Village is a challenge. It is unique and has to be experienced to be believed!
Watch the video
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