Welcome to the Weald and Downland Living Museum!

“Half the wealth of England rides on the sheep’s back.” This is a quote from Tudor times, five hundred years ago. Sheep are still important on the Downs as you can see as you look around the countryside.

When you visit the Museum, you’ll be able to see the local breed of sheep, the Southdown. Depending on the time of year, there may be lambs, the sheep may have been recently sheared, or they may simply be grazing our fields. They always seem to be smiling. Some say they look like teddy bears. What will you think?

There’s a shepherd’s hut too. What do you think is inside There’s a shepherd’s hut too. What do you think is inside? What do you think the hut is used for?

In a corner of Redvins Yard there’s a shepherd’s room at one end of a barn, where animals used to be kept in winter. There’s lots of information on the boards here too. Don’t miss the ones about the Southdown breed and the Findon sheep fair!

You’ll be able to find out about the shepherd’s year, take the chance to discover some technical shepherding vocabulary and maybe even learn a shearing song. We (and the sheep) look forward to welcoming you and your teachers to the museum!