AN INSIGHT into the Chartist movement is on offer with an open day at Bromsgrove’s Rosedene Cottage this Sunday (April 17).
Visitors can have an informal look around and there will be tours at 2pm and 3pm, although these must be booked in advance as places are limited.
The National Trust property is also now open for tours on the first Sunday of each month at 2pm and 3.30pm.
Built in 1849, it is one of the few Chartist cottages left and still has many of its original features including fireplaces, wooden floorboards and a barn, echoing the original purpose of the cottage as a self-sufficient home. There is still a vegetable patch at the front of the house tended to by gardeners from nearby Hanbury Hall and an orchard and wildflower meadow at the back.
The Chartist Land Company encouraged working people to buy into a lottery scheme in the hope of owning a few acres of land.
Visitors can uncover the story of this radical time in British politics and hear the tale of Chartist leader Feargus O’Connor through pre-booked guided tours.
The cottage has also been adapted for longer stays and can be let out for holidays.
Visit nationaltrustcottages.co.uk for more information.
For more on Rosedene or to book tours, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rosedene or call the Hanbury Hall property office on 01527 821214.
