A day at Little Woodham

[watervole]

 Hoping the photo works...

This is me (in the black hat), my daughter, and my granddaughter, spending a day in the year 1642.

Lindsey has set herself up in the village of Little Woodham as a leather worker, and hopes to learn smithing before long (there are historical records of female blacksmiths in this period).

Oswin, is the leather worker's apprentice, but also showing children how to play games like 'cup and ball'.

I'm currently learning how to card wool, use a spinning wheel (I think I prefer the drop spindle at present) and talking to people about period clothing.

All in all, a very enjoyable day.

Comments

[kerravonsen]

I'm curious about your assessment of the differences between a spinning wheel and a drop spindle. I'd assumed that the wheel was always preferable!

[vilakins]

Wonderful photo and outfits! Does Lindsey work there full time and sell what she makes, or is that only on craft days? What an interesting place.

[puddleshark]

That is such a wonderful picture!

I hadn't heard of Little Woodham before - thank you! I would love to visit one day.

[vera_j]

Unfortunately, I can´t see the photo but I believe you must have a great day!

[igenlode]

Sadly no photo here, but sounds fun.
I'm curious about the context of the female blacksmiths: wives/daughters? How did they get into it? I suppose the horses were probably smaller in those days- I'm not sure they'd bred the enormous feathered Shires yet...

[damerell]

I think the image was from Discord, whose image links are quite ephemeral.

I could be wrong but I think pretty well any horse can squash any human flat if it wants to, so small human and large horse isn't so different from large human and small horse...

[igenlode]

I was thinking more in terms of the sheer weight and size involved in picking up the horses' feet (and handling the shoes), rather than the idea that a lot of muscle would be needed to control the horse -- that's a matter of personality rather than force, I think, given the relative masses of a man and even a small pony!