It’s the Bank Holiday Weekend and the weather seems to be behaving more like Spring …. And now it’s May, we also herald the start of Local and Community History Month …. so why not come along and explore our very special historical quarter at Bruce Castle with our Big Open Day? This extraordinary group of heritage buildings are all opening their doors in this corner of Tottenham on Sunday 5 May from 11am onwards … The programme (with a couple of updates) is far below.
BUT FIRST – TWO more events happening locally this weekend can be highlighted. One today (Saturday 4 May), at 2pm at Marcus Garvey Library and one on Monday 6 May at Markfield Beam Engine & Museum.
If you can, pop over to Marcus Garvey Library at Tottenham Green and hear a fascinating talk at 2pm. It is about the extraordinary story of the Victorian collector BG Windus who lived at Tottenham Green and his influential collection of paintings by the new kids on the art scene at the time – the up-and-coming artist Turner and other Pre-Raphaelite artists! A wonderful dive into our borough’s history. And a big shout out to Margaret Burr, a @friendofbrucecastle who is telling the story of BG Windus this afternoon and has produced the website https://www.turnerintottenham.uk/
Bank Holiday Monday 6 May will be a Steam Day @ Markfield Beam Engine & Museum. You can get up close and see how this rare survival of a Beam Engine works – a free and fun day for everyone, with a café and lovely walks along the Lea nearby. All free.
Steam times: 10am – 4pm
More details here: Markfield Beam Engine & Museum | Plan your visit (mbeam.org)
REMINDER OF THE PROGRAMME FOR THE BRUCE CASTLE HERITAGE QUARTER OPEN DAY
NB Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available at the Museum and the Church in the afternoon.
The Antwerp will be open for food and drink from 2pm
All details on how to get here on our website: Getting here | Bruce Castle
As well as tours of Castle on the Open Day, we will be joined by All Hallows Church, The Priory (gardens only), Tottenham Cemetery Chapels (with the Friends of Tottenham Cemetery), two walks and the Antwerp Arms pub for their special birthday afternoon.
Read on for the full programme of events.
Spurs Secret History Walk (organised by the Antwerp Arms Association)
10.15am-1.30pm
- Booking essential. Free – donations welcome. All proceeds will go to Pancreatic Cancer UK
This walk will show how the birth and growth of Tottenham Hotspur FC from 1882 right up to the present day, is inextricably linked with the local history of Tottenham. It will connect with links to the Antwerp Arms community pub, the area around Bruce Castle Park and nearby All Hallows church in this fascinating historic village area.
Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30 am start at Northumberland Park Overground Station, at the Park Avenue Road entrance. Ends: Antwerp Arms by 1.30pm I time for the pub’s 9th birthday celebrations at 2pm. Read further details and book your free ticket here on Eventbrite.
Tottenham Cemetery Chapels
11am-1pm
- Free. No booking required.
Enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the hidden beauty of the chapels in Tottenham Cemetery! Designed by George E Ptichett (1824-1912) in decorated Gothic Style, the two identical chapels are a stunning asset to the cemetery, which was opened in 1858. With thanks to the Friends of Tottenham Cemetery.
Bruce Castle Tours (outside)
11am, 12noon
- Free. No booking required.
Join an outside guided architectural tour by Bruce Castle staff with stories around the magnificent Grade I listed former 16th century manorhouse of Bruce Castle – a truly special architectural gem in Tottenham. With thanks to the Friends of Bruce Castle who will also be on hand to help.
Church Road Walk: Through the Eyes of the Two William Atkinsons
11.30am
- Free. Book your place by emailing us at [email protected]
Join Andy and Peter Thomas, grandsons and great-grandsons of the two William Atkinsons (senior and junior), as they lead you on a historical guided walk of Church Road, Tottenham. With beautiful photographs by William Junior of how Church Road looked over 100 years ago.
Meet outside Bruce Castle Museum (clocktower entrance) at 11.15am for 11.30am start.
Ends: Tottenham Cemetery
Bruce Castle Museum
Exhibitions, 1-5pm
- Free. No booking required.
If you enjoyed the Church Road walk, then pop in to see the exhibition of The Two Williams.
Tours (inside and outside), 1-4pm, approximate every hour from 1pm.
- Free. No booking required.
Join guided tours all afternoon of Bruce Castle when we will share stories and show you corners of this extraordinary building that you don’t always get to see! You can hear and see more too about the planned major works that are about to start here.
All Hallows Church
1.30-4pm
- Free. No booking required.
A chance to come in and discover over 700 years’ of fascinating history of All Hallows church – from its architecture and beautiful art and memorials in Tottenham’s oldest building.
The Priory Gardens
1.30-4pm
- Free. No booking required.
Hidden behind the ornate gates of this 17th century former farmhouse dating from 1620, an opportunity to see the gardens of The Priory. If you have ever peered through the gate and wondered what lies behind, on this important day the gates will be open! Enjoy exploring the beautiful grounds of this Grade II listed building.
Antwerp Arms Birthday Party
2pm onwards (‘til late!)
- See Antwerp Arms website for details.
The community owned Antwerp Arms is going to be 9 years old!
Celebrate with The Annie as they host stalls, poetry, live music, salsa dancing, DJ and of course food, fizz, cake and ale!
For more details visit the Antwerp Arms website
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