Townend facts for kids
Townend in 2015
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Quick facts for kids General information |
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| Coordinates | 54°24′41″N 2°54′54″W / 54.4113°N 2.9151°W |
Townend is a special house from the 1600s located in Troutbeck. This village is in the area of Lakes, north of Windermere, in Cumbria, England. Today, the National Trust owns and cares for Townend.
The house was given to the National Trust in 1948. Before that, it was the home of the Browne family for 400 years! They were local farmers. Townend is not a huge, fancy stately home like some other places the National Trust looks after. Instead, it offers a unique peek into the daily life of a farming family who were quite well-off for their time. It is also a Grade I listed building, which means it's a very important historic building.
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Discovering Townend House
Townend house gives us a fantastic chance to see how people lived hundreds of years ago. It shows us what life was like for a farming family in the 17th century. The house has many original features and items that tell a story.
The Browne Family's Home
The Browne family lived at Townend for about 400 years. Imagine living in the same house for so many generations! They were farmers who worked the land around the house. They grew crops and raised animals to support themselves.
The family was quite successful and became reasonably wealthy. This meant they could afford a comfortable home. Their house shows us how a successful farming family lived, not just the very rich or very poor.
What is a Grade I Listed Building?
Townend is a "Grade I listed building." This is a special title given to buildings in England. It means the building is considered to be of exceptional national importance. It has a lot of history and is very well-preserved.
Because it's Grade I listed, Townend is protected by law. This ensures that its unique features and history are kept safe for future generations. It's like a national treasure!
The National Trust's Role
The National Trust is a charity in the United Kingdom. Its main job is to protect and open up historic places and green spaces for everyone to enjoy. They look after many castles, gardens, and houses.
When Townend was given to the National Trust in 1948, it meant the house would be cared for forever. The Trust makes sure the house is kept in good condition. They also allow visitors to explore it and learn about its past.
Exploring Life in the 17th Century
Visiting Townend is like stepping back in time. You can see how people cooked, slept, and worked. The house has many original items that belonged to the Browne family.
Old Tools and Furniture
Inside Townend, you might find old farming tools. You can also see furniture from hundreds of years ago. These items help us understand how daily tasks were done without modern technology.
The rooms are set up to show how the family lived. You can imagine them sitting by the fire or preparing meals in the kitchen. It's a great way to connect with history.
Stories from the Past
The National Trust often shares stories about the Browne family. You can learn about their traditions, their work, and their daily routines. These stories make the house feel alive.
It's fascinating to see how different life was back then. Things like lighting, heating, and even entertainment were very different from today. Townend helps us appreciate our modern comforts.
Visiting Townend Today
Townend is open to visitors who want to learn about its history. It's a great place to visit if you are interested in old houses or how people lived long ago.
The house is located in a beautiful area of Cumbria, near Windermere. This makes it a perfect spot to combine history with enjoying nature.
