Donington le Heath Manor House Museum facts for kids
The 1620s House and Garden at Donington le Heath is a really old manor house that's now a museum! It was built over 700 years ago in Donington le Heath, a village near Coalville in Leicestershire. This amazing house was once owned by a relative of someone involved in the famous Gunpowder Plot. Today, Leicestershire County Council looks after it, making sure everyone can learn about its long history.
Contents
Discovering Donington's Past
This museum is inside a medieval manor house. Experts believe it was built a very long time ago, around the year 1290. By looking at the building's style and even dating the wood used, they think the house was built between 1288 and 1295.
The house and its land were owned by a religious group called Charley Priory, then Ulverscroft Priory, until the 1530s. Many people lived here as tenants during that time. Robert and Isabella de Herle are thought to be the ones who built the house we see today.
How the House Changed Over Time
The Manor House got a big makeover around 1618. This is shown by some features and the age of the wood in the roof. Back then, the storage rooms downstairs became a kitchen and a living room (called a parlour). They also put on a new roof and changed the upstairs rooms. A new staircase was added inside. From the outside, you can see new, large rectangular windows from this time.
Around this period, the house was likely owned by John Digby of Seaton. His nephew, Sir Everard Digby, was a friend of Robert Catesby, who led the Gunpowder Plot.
From Farm to Museum
From 1670 until 1960, the house was rented out as a farm. The money from the rent helped support a hospital and orphanage. In 1965, Leicestershire County Council bought the Manor House. It had become a pig farm and was in bad shape. A huge project began to save the building. Finally, the Manor House opened as a museum in 1973.
The Digby Family and the Gunpowder Plot
The Digby family rented Donington le Heath Manor House from the early 1400s. They owned the house and its land from the 1530s until 1627. The Digbys were an important family, with their main home in Tilton on the Hill.
Sir John Digby fought for Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. When Henry won and became King Henry VII, he rewarded his supporters. It's possible he gave back lands the Digbys had lost earlier.
A Family's Secret Faith
In the early 1600s, John Digby of Seaton owned the property. John was a Catholic at a time when England was mostly Protestant. People like him were called "recusant Catholics." He and his family were often fined and not allowed to attend the Church of England.
John himself had been held in the Tower of London because he was suspected of being involved in a plot against Queen Elizabeth I. His nephew, Sir Everard Digby, had moved away and became friends with Robert Catesby. Catesby was the leader of the group planning the Gunpowder Plot.
Sir Everard Digby's Role
Sir Everard was asked to start a rebellion in the Midlands after the plotters planned to blow up Parliament. He also intended to kidnap Princess Elizabeth, King James I's daughter. Sir Everard was punished in 1606 for his part in the plot. After John Digby died in 1627, the Donington property was split between two families.
Exploring the House Today
In 2016, the house was updated and renamed "The 1620s House and Garden." It tells the story of the Catholic Digby family living in Protestant England. All the rooms are set up as they might have looked back then. You can touch and use most of the old and new furniture and objects.
There's one special item: a fancy four-poster bed. Some people thought it was "King Dick's Bed" because King Richard III might have stayed at an inn in Leicester where it was once kept. However, the bed's style shows it was made much later than 1485. It fits perfectly into a home from the 1600s.
Friendly volunteers work at the house. They love showing visitors the "witchmarks" carved to protect the house from bad spirits. They also encourage you to explore old oak cupboards and chests, and even try on period costumes!
The house is usually open from April to September and during October. It's best to check their website for the most current opening times and event details. Your ticket to visit lasts for 12 months!
Beautiful Gardens to Explore
The house is surrounded by lovely gardens that look just like they would have in the early 1600s. There are flower gardens, an orchard, and special areas for herbs and vegetables. There's even a maze! Every tree and plant has a label with information, making it fun and educational to explore.
Snacks and Drinks
A large stone barn on the site has a coffee shop. They serve delicious homemade cakes, soups, sandwiches, and a variety of hot and cold drinks.
Fun Events All Year Round
The site is known for its exciting events, including outdoor theatre, plant fairs, historical re-enactments, talks, and activities for children throughout the year.
- Gunpowder, Treason and Plot (November): Learn about the Gunpowder Plot in a house connected to Sir Everard Digby! There are demonstrations, living history displays, and crafts for kids.
- Christmas at the Manor and Candle-lit Carolling (December): Enjoy the beautifully decorated house with carols and festive plays. Visit www.doningtonleheath.org.uk/whats-on for more event information.
Learning and Education
The 1620s House and Garden has an experienced education team. They offer many workshops and outreach sessions. These aim to make learning fun for children in Leicestershire.
Friends of the Museum
The "Friends" group for Donington helps support the museum. They raise money for new projects, especially for the gardens. The Friends of Donington le Heath Manor House is a registered charity.
