'Sophia Welstead' in the newly opened Regency parlour at Valentines Mansion
Lady of the house takes visitors back in time in new period parlour at Valentines Mansion
Lizzie Dearden, Reporter
Thursday, October 18, 2012
12:42 PM
Visitors to Valentines Mansion can take a trip back in time to experience Regency life in a newly-restored parlour.
The former office has been restored to its full glory with antique furniture and period decorations.
Visitors can dress in Regency costumes, play period games, learn about the era and use all the antiques and furniture.
The period, from 1811 to 1820, was renowned for extravagance and excess and aristocratic life at the Ilford mansion was in full swing.
An actress playing the former lady of the house, Sophia Welstead, talked about 19th Century life at the parlour yesterday, when Cllr Muhammed Javed, the Mayor of Redbridge, officially opened the new room to the public.
Friends of Valentines Mansion chairwoman Barbara Nocaro said the transformation was “wonderful”.
She added: “It’s going to be more hands on so people can actually sit on the chairs and use interactive panels to learn about its history.”
The room has been dedicated to Charles Welstead, who owned the house in Emerson Road, Ilford, from 1808 until his death in 1830.
The new parlour will be open on public open days and can also be hired. For enquiries please contact the mansion team on 0208 708 1800.
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