Ladies and gentlemen – dust off your petticoats, squeeze into your corsets and iron out your waistcoat and cravat.
As part of the European Heritage Days in Wales, The Friends of Insole Court (FIC) in partnership with Cardiff Council are welcoming the public to take a historic trip back in time.
The 154 year old house is a new feature of the Open Doors initiative in and around the historic City of Llandaff.
On Saturday, September 18 between 1.30pm and 4pm, the Grade II * listed heritage site is hosting a programme of free activities, providing members of the public with the opportunity to learn about and experience the beautiful house and its impressive ornamental gardens.
FIC volunteers will be on hand to tell the story of the house and the three generations of the Insole family, a Victorian coal-owning family who rose to wealth and gentility in a generation and played a part in building Cardiff into the capital city it is today.
At 12 noon guests are encouraged to join the “Beating the Bounds” walk which starts at the house and explores the surrounding boundaries of what were once the limits of the James Insole’s surrounding parkland.
Guided tours inside of the house exploring its history during three generations will take place from 1.30pm with the final tour leaving at 3.30pm.
The Old Billiard Room will be transformed into an elegant Edwardian centenary tea-room where a choice of teas, finest empire coffee, chicory essence sandwiches, scones, cakes and real lemonade will all be on offer and ladies will even get the chance to select a traditional hat to wear at the table.
Visitors will be served in period costume and can take afternoon tea, served in the high Edwardian manner with live music from the “The Palm Court Duo”.
Children are welcome and throughout the day and will get the chance to play with traditional toys that have no batteries!
This thriving local community centre managed by Cardiff Council, links the miners’ museums on the coalfield with those in Cardiff Bay such as Butetown History & Arts Centre and the Pierhead Building.
Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport Nigel Howells said: “We are thrilled that Insole Court is presenting its debut in the European Heritage Days programme.
It is a magnificent house and surrounding grounds and is one of Cardiff’s historical gems. It has a wonderful history surrounding it which relates to many parts of the city.
The Open Doors programme is a great opportunity for the people of Cardiff to come and enjoy the site and learn about its rich history”.
European Heritage Days is an initiative of the Council of Europe supported by the European Union. In Wales European Heritage Days are organised on behalf of Cadw and the Welsh Assembly Government.
The Open Doors programme takes place throughout September and has been organised by a partnership of local voluntary and educational organisations. It features striking modern architecture as well sites of historical and cultural importance.
Insole Court delivers a programme of events as is available for function hire for weddings, christenings, anniversaries, conferences and birthday parties. For more information please contact [email protected]
