Acton Court is a beautifully conserved Tudor House built for the pleasure of Henry VIII. It's believed to be the most original Tudor house in Britain. The East wing was built by Nicholas Poyntz in 1535 for a weekend visit by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
Acton Court will re-open to the public in 2024 for self-guided audio tours, events and workshops. Admission to Acton Court gives access to the grounds, the Royal Apartments, the ground floor area and any activities that may be taking place on the day.
Full details and booking information can be found on the Tours and Events pages of our website below.
Latteridge Road, Iron Acton BS37 9TL
Tel: 01454 228224
www.actoncourt.com/
Email:
Lots of links to historical resources for family history research.
A professional photographer for over a decade, RichMcD specialises in commercial work, portraits (people and pets), weddings and photography tutorials.
RichMcD documents local life through his camera lens, creating a vast legacy of images for us all to enjoy, now and in the future. He also eats lots of ice-creams!
If you'd like to get in touch with Rich, click below to visit his website or check out his facebook page.
Tel: 07768 033097
www.richmcd.co.uk/
Email:
Historical information and statistics about the town and area from the Vision of Britain project.
Lots of good reasons for volunteering at Winterbourne Medieval Barn:
Ram Hill Colliery is an open site owned by South Gloucestershire Council, managed by the Friends in conjunction with the Council and English Heritage.
Mining took place roughly between 1830-1860 with clear evidence of the horse gin, engine house and connection to the Dramway.
The Friends work on the site between April and October usually on Wednesdays, and are happy to give visitors a guided tour. We have regular open days, including the Heritage Open Day in October.
Volunteers are welcome to help manage the site - please contact David Godden by email below for further details.
Broad Lane, Ram Hill BS36 2TY
www.ramhillcolliery.org.uk
Email:
Explore your neighbourhood online through historic maps, images and linked information with this digital heritage mapping project.
Winterbourne Medieval Barn, built in 1342, is an extraordinary survivor of our medieval past. Major building works have recently been completed with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and many other generous donors, to revitalise the whole Barn complex into a community heritage site promoting the knowledge of medieval history, its architecture, agricultural landscape and people. This project also created four workshops, now occupied by small artisan businesses including The Pottery Shed and Three Engineers Brewery.
The Barn is managed by a charitable Trust (WMBT) as a multipurpose venue for a wide range of community activities, including music and theatre performances, craft and skills workshops, talks, and big events like the Medieval Fayre, Orchard Harvest Day, and Carols in the Barn. Check the website or Facebook page for details.
The Barn is open on the first Thursday afternoon of each month at 2pm for tours. Booking advised. Otherwise, it is only open for specific events (see website). Contact the Trust to arrange private group visits or hires.
WMBT is made up almost entirely of volunteers, and new people are warmly welcomed. If you would like to volunteer on an occasional or more regular basis, please contact them for more information. WMBT Registered Charity number 1112908.
Church Lane, Winterbourne BS36 1SE
Tel: 0117 403 1536 - PT
www.winterbournebarn.org.uk/
Email:
The basic role of YADAG is to record the archaeological heritage of the Yate area in its many forms.
Our part of South Gloucestershire is blessed with a myriad of unrecorded and sometimes threatened historic sites ranging from Roman bath houses to coal mining remains.
All ages and abilities welcome, no previous experience necessary - be part of your very own Time Team.
Based at Yate & District Heritage Centre, Church Road, Yate BS37 5BG
Tel: 01454 314174
www.facebook.com/YateArchaeology/
Email:
The Centre aims to reflect the rich diversity of the Yate area’s cultural, historical, social and industrial past. This is achieved through a range of thought provoking and varied exhibitions, and a range of evening and day events including a regular series of quizzes, historical lectures and other one-off events.
Free admission - everyone welcome. Open Tuesday - Thursday and Saturdays, 10.30am-4.30pm
Click here for more information on the Heritage Centre.
Church Road, Yate BS37 5BG
Tel: 01454 862200
www.yateheritage.co.uk/
Email:
@myyate