Boscobel's 19th Century Farmyard

In the early 19th century, Boscobel was a mixed farm, growing arable crops as well as farming sheep, cows and pigs.

Recent reinterpretation of the site has included the introduction of local and rare breed animals such as Tamworth pigs and Ryeland sheep and Sea Bright chickens to the historic farm buildings, providing the sights and sounds from when Boscobel House was a thriving Victorian farm.

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History of Boscobel Farmyard

The history of Boscobel as a farm dates back to 1814 when it was bought by Walter Evans and split into two large farms; Boscobel and White Ladies. They were both mixed farms, growing arable crops and farming livestock.

Later in the 19th century, Boscobel became solely a dairy farm, raising cows to produce milk, butter and cheese. Buildings used for farming in the 17th century and 19th century can still be seen at Boscobel House, including the cart-shed, bull-pen and cattle sheds. 

Today, visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a farmyard as they imagine what life on a victorian farmyard would have been like. 

Animals at Boscobel House

Tamworth Pigs

Tamworth Pigs were chosen for Boscobel House, as the breed originated in central England, and takes its name from the nearby village of Tamworth. They are one of the oldest breeds of pigs whose red colouring is very distinctive.

 

Ryeland Sheep

Ryeland Sheep are one of the oldest breeds in England, and also one of the cutest.

Their fluffy coat, which grows throughout the year is considered to be one of the finest wools. It is believed that after Queen Elizabeth I was presented with a pair of Ryeland wool stockings, she swore to wear clothes only made of Ryeland wool.

Sea Bright Chickens

This distinctive breed, developed in 1879 by Sir John Seabright, is known as 'Silver Laced' due to the feathers around their neck which look like a laced necklace. 

While Boscobel House was a working farm, chickens would have provided fresh eggs for the household.

Shropshire Sheep

Shropshire Sheep are the oldest registered pedigree breed in the UK and were particularly popular in the 1800s for their big dense fleece, and their strong stature.

" My favourite thing to do when visiting Boscobel is watching the animals being fed. The sheep are so fluffy!"

Boscobel - Family quote.jpg          Visitor, aged 5

 

“Bringing the farmyard back to life has been amazing, the traditional and rare breeds we have on the farm really bring to life the sights, sounds and smells of a 19th century working farm.”

  Boscobel - Kyra.jpg  Kyra, Stockperson and Gardener, Boscobel House

More to Explore

  • History and Stories

    Learn how a future king escaped from Parliamentarian forces during the Civil War in 1651, giving English history one of its greatest adventure stories.

  • Things to see and do

    Enjoy a day out at Boscobel House and The Royal Oak. Walk to White Ladies Priory, enjoy an interactive tour of the house and explore the 17th century garden.  

  • Family Day Out

    Play hide and seek as you explore Boscobel House and The Royal Oak. Explore the play area, meet the animals and take the interactive tour around the house.