A Different World : Historic House Reveals Glimpse of Aristocratic Lives Abroad in New Exhibition
Behind closed doors at Burton Constable Hall on the outskirts of Hull is a hive of activity as staff prepare the Elizabethan mansion for its grand reopening on 9th April for the 2022 season.
Most exciting of the changes being made this year is the creation of a brand new exhibition room and its transformation into A Different World – an exploration of the adventures of the travelling Chichester family in the 19th Century. With never-before displayed archive material featuring sketches by the globe-trotting military officer Sir Charles and his wife Mary Barbara and diary entries and emotional letters between them and their children half a world away, this year there is something new for everyone to discover.
A life of excitement, tragedy, adventure and affluence is told almost entirely through the words of this extraordinary couple, whose travels took them across Europe, the Mediterranean, the West Indies and North America. These long voyages saw the family cross the Atlantic frequently in the days when steam ships were still a new innovation, when colonialism was at its height and when a simple train journey from London to Hull could take 19 hours! From the earliest days of their courtship, through early married life apart as Charles built his career in the British military, to the couple’s terrible parting in Toronto, this exhibition explores their lives together.
Letters to Charles and Mary Barbara’s eldest sons, 4000 miles away at their school in northern England, portray the stark differences between the worlds that each were experiencing – but also show the strength of the bond of love and long-distance parenting that prevailed even when the world was a much bigger place! Of the couple’s eleven children, only five survived to adulthood – many were born overseas in Trinidad, Toronto – and even onboard a troop ship! This exhibition reveals the way the couple coped with the hardships they faced, as well as reveling in the high life of parties and picnics they explored in all the countries in which they lived.
Come to explore this different world with us – and in reading the words of a bygone age yourself, draw your own conclusions about that world and the people who lived there….
Venue Details
Burton Constable Hall, one of England's most captivating country estates, has been the home of the Constable family for over 700 years. Step inside the Elizabethan gem and explore 30 grand rooms filled with fine art, exquisite furniture and decorative treasures, including the remarkable Cabinet of Curiosities. For a deeper dive into history, join a behind-the-scenes tour of the servants' quarter, where you’ll uncover the life of those who once worked here. Stroll through the stunning parkland designed by 'Capability' Brown, with its tranquil woodland trails and serene lakeside walks. Don't miss the historic stables, which includes Billy the stable boy’s bedroom and the astonishing 60-foot skeleton of a sperm whale, a fascinating link to Moby-Dick! Take a break in the Stables Kitchen for coffee and cake or refuel the family at lunch with a selection of delicious homemade food. Seasonal events and special exhibitions often enhance the visitor experience, so be sure to check the schedule. Dogs are warmly welcomed at Burton Constable Hall! We’re delighted to have your four-legged friends accompany you on your visit. Stroll through our beautiful estate and enjoy the outdoor areas.
Facilities
Accessible Toilets
Assistance Dogs
Baby Changing
Blue-Badge Parking
Wheelchair Access
