Kentwell - a very different experience: a romantic, completely moated, mellow redbrick Tudor mansion in a tranquil parkland setting - but so much more.
The Rare Breeds Traditional Farm - A real farm set amidst ancient and newly formed oak framed buildings. Enjoyed by all ages especially in the early Spring when the animals are still in for winter.
A New Creation
The Farm visitors see has been almost entirely created since the early 1980s. It is based upon the old Dog Kennels, which now do duty as pig-sties, hard by what may be Kentwell's most ancient moat. The remaining farm buildings, all oak framed, are either the re-erection of dismantled ancient buildings or the building of new in much the same style.
Working Farm
It is a working farm run on non-intensive and traditional lines. It started very modestly with one Jersey house cow, which provided milk for family. Later Tamworth pigs and almost extinct Norfolk Horn sheep were borrowed for the first Re-Creation in 1978 and were kept. Soon Judith Phillips was persuaded to join three other breeders in an attempt (successful) to save this sheep breed, which had made East Anglia rich in the Middle Ages. British White Cattle followed, after several years to be replaced by Longhorns, and Suffolk Punch horses. A few years later some semi feral Bagot Goats were added and last of all the massive Poitou Donkeys. Meanwhile a variety of Fowl at different times arrived and from time to time the odd other breed, as fancy took.
Visiting
The animals are best seen in the Spring when they are still in from the winter and many have young with them. Later, they may be all seen grazing in the Park about.
A Typical Kentwell Farm Sight
Surely it is seeing Sheep and Lambs, Piglets, Goats & Fowl wandering freely round the Farm (and sometimes the Gardens too!).
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