Mary Arden's Farm, 16th-century Tudor farmhouse and museum in Wilmcote, England
Mary Arden's Farm is a 16th-century farmhouse in Wilmcote featuring timber-framed construction with Victorian brick additions and period furnishings from the Tudor era throughout its rooms. The building operates today as a working museum property with spaces that document how people lived during that time.
The house was identified as Mary Arden's residence in 1930 by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, but research in 2000 revealed it actually belonged to neighboring farmer Adam Palmer. This discovery reshaped understanding of the property's actual links to the Shakespeare family.
The working farm raises rare animal breeds like Mangalitza pigs, Cotswold sheep, and Longhorn cattle that reflect how people lived during the Tudor period. Visitors can see how these animals fit into the daily rhythm of farm life.
The site has basic paths laid out for visitors to walk around, though some areas feature natural earth surfaces. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes, especially if visiting after wet weather.
The wooden structure was dated through dendrochronology to around 1514, making it one of the oldest surviving farmhouses in the region. This ancient construction reveals how sturdy and long-lasting Tudor craftsmanship could be.
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