9:46am Thursday 2nd September 2010
Next week, more than 4,000 properties across England will open their doors to the public for free, as part of Heritage Open Days 2010.
A wide variety of buildings will be taking part in the four-day event, including Medieval cottages, timber-framed Tudor buildings, Gothic temples, Victorian factories, World War Two defences, Art Deco cinemas and 21st Century eco-homes – properties that either normally charge an entrance fee, or are not open to the public.
Several sites in Essex will be participating, including Warren House in Loughton, formerly the home of the Superintendent of Epping Forest. The property dates back 500 years, and was used as an inn in the 18th Century, and later a gentleman’s residence. Access will include the gardens and two ground floor rooms, while there is also a Grade II listed obelisk in the grounds.
Warren House, The Warren, Nursery Road, Loughton. Open: Sunday, September 12, 12noon to 5pm.
Harlow Civic Centre will also be opening its doors, and visitors will be able to view the council chamber and even see democracy in action, when three of the town’s councillors and three youth councillors will be taking part in a debate. In addition, there will be a range of community groups exhibiting during the day, while you can also enjoy the views over The Water Gardens.
Civic Offices, The Water Gardens, Harlow. Open: Saturday, September 11, 10.30am to 5pm.
Harlow Playhouse will open its doors, offering an afternoon of dance and music, plus free ballet, hip hop and puppet workshops for children. There is also the chance to see behind the scenes at the theatre.
Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow. Open: Sunday, September 12, 1pm to 5pm. Pre-booking is advised, call 01279 431945.
Harlowbury Chapel, is a Norman chapel, built by the Abbots of Bury St Edmunds in 1180. It was restored in 1985 and is located in the grounds of a medieval manor which dates from 1221. There will be a display of information on the chapel.
Harlowbury Manor, Old Road, Old Harlow. Open: Sunday, September 12, 11am to 5pm.
Also in Harlow, the Gibberd Gallery will open its doors, offering a fun day for all the family that takes place around the gallery’s new exhibition of Henry Moore’s sheep etchings and sculptures.
Visitors can engage with the musicians of the City of London Sinfonia with various musical and art activities, while there is also a drop-in sheep sculpting workshop by The Henry Moore Foundation, suitable for all ages.
The Gibberd Gallery, Civic Centre, Harlow. Open: Saturday, September 11, 10.30am to 5pm.
St John’s Arts and Recreation Centre, in Old Harlow is a community centre based in a converted Victorian church. It will host events including a photographic exhibition featuring old toys, early photos of Old Harlow, and local arts and crafts.
Open: Saturday, 11 and Sunday 12 September, 2pm to 6pm.
Details: www.heritageopendays.org.uk
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