Level
Shared
occupancy cost
Days
FM O 2 – 4 Oct Fri – Sun £254 £234 £183
Centre
Date
Sole occupancy Non-Residential
cost
cost
Discovering Timber-Framed Buildings in Suffolk and Essex
The location of many of John
Constable’s paintings, Flatford Mill
runs over 120 Natural History and
Arts courses in a unique and
tranquil learning environment.
Course Overview
Suffolk and Essex are especially rich in surviving medieval timber-framed houses
and this weekend offers insights into the development and dating of them.
Illustrated lectures and visits to privately owned houses will help you understand
how to 'read' these fascinating buildings and learn about the people who lived in
them.
Course Description
This short course aims to provide you with the ability to understand how medieval
timber-framed houses developed and changed from the 13th to the 17th century,
and how you can use this information to identify and date these houses. Suffolk
and Essex are especially rich in surviving early timber-framed houses, many of
which have developed over time and include parts which are medieval, 16th, 17th
or 18th century.
The first meeting on Friday evening will take place in Valley Farm at Flatford,
where you will be introduced to this 15th century medieval timber-framed hall
house and shown how these houses were used and arranged. Slides and drawings
will be used to illustrate the discussions.
On Saturday we will visit a number of timber-framed houses in Essex and/or
Suffolk dating from the 15th to the 17th century. These will illustrate how timberframing and roof styles changed over this period. In the evening we will review
the day’s findings and look more closely at various details in an illustrated lecture.
Tel: 01206 297110 E-mail: enquiries.fm@field-studies-council.org
Fax: 01206 298892
A detailed itinerary will be available on the first evening.
Please note that in order to offer you a wide range of quality buildings to visit; you
may spend about an hour travelling in the minibus between visits.
About the Tutor
John Walker is a lecturer, writer and researcher on historic timber framed
buildings. Until 1999 he was based in south-west Essex but now lives near
Hadleigh in Suffolk. He is a former chairman of both the Essex Historic Buildings
Group and the Herts and Essex Architectural Research Society.
What to Bring
Warm and weatherproof clothing and stout footwear are recommended in case
the weather is unseasonal! A powerful torch, a pair of binoculars, a camera and a
notebook and pencil will also be useful items to bring with you.
Discovering Timber-Framed Buildings in Suffolk and Essex
On Sunday, after a short lecture, we will visit a number of local timber-framed
buildings. These visits will reinforce the clues you can use to sort out the history of
a house. There will be opportunities to take photographs so that you can create
your own reference material.
What the Fee Includes
Residential course fee includes:
 Full board accommodation including cooked breakfast, picnic lunch,
homemade cakes and an evening meal. Vegetarian and other dietary option
available.
 Up to 8 hours teaching time a day, plus relaxing breaks for meals and
refreshments.
 Tea and coffee making facilities available throughout the day.
 Use of resources including library, workrooms, studios and the Centre
grounds.
 Transport during the courses.
 Insurance to cover cancellation, personal belongings, personal accident,
legal liability and medical emergency.
If you choose to be a non-resident on a residential course, the fee will include all
the above except accommodation and breakfast.
Tel: 01206 297110 E-mail: enquiries.fm@field-studies-council.org
Fax: 01206 298892
Start and Finish times
Afternoon tea is available from 1600 on Friday, but the first formal activity is
dinner at 1900 (with the bar open from 1845!).
Residents: Please aim to arrive between 1600 and 1800 on Friday to allow us
sufficient time to show you to your accommodation and around the
communal areas.
Non-residents: You do not need to arrive quite so early but please can you be here
by 1800 as we need to show you the communal areas as well.
The course will end at 1600 on Sunday.
Discovering Timber-Framed Buildings in Suffolk and Essex
How to book
Bookings can be made by telephoning the Centre; we are open 0930 – 1700
weekdays and most weekends. Alternatively, bookings can be made via our
website: www.field-studies-council.org
Valley Farm, Flatford – the medieval
hall house which will be visited on the
first night.
©John Walker
Tel: 01206 297110 E-mail: enquiries.fm@field-studies-council.org
Fax: 01206 298892