The Folly is an impressive Grade I listed seventeenth Century manor house of outstanding architectural importance, built in 1679 by Richard Preston, a wealthy merchant. The house created impact alongside the old main road into the town and formed the impressive centrepiece of his estate.

Recently restored by the North Craven Building Preservation Trust, were delighted to match the topics of our specialist speakers for the day with this intriguing venue.

In the morning, Barbara Wyles, who as a past-Chairman and Secretary of the Society needed no introduction, gave us  A Lady's View of Fashion, Taste and Home around 1679 beautifully illustrated with slides.  The talk linked the fashions of the time with the taste in furniture and other artifacts of the period.

We all then visited the nearby Golden Lion Hotel for lunch before returning to The Folly for the afternoon by Clarice Wokes.

Clarice Wokes is a keen re-enactor at seventeenth century Living History events and teaches in Halifax. Her interests in textiles encompass embroidery and stump work as well as garment-making - Clarice and her husband even married in copies of authentic 17th century dress!  She presented us with a fascinating look at Dressing the Past - Clothing for Re-enacting the 17th Century.

Another member of the Society, Moya Buck, from Kendal, kindly displayed some appropriate reproduction garments to 'dress' the house for the event.

Although the accomodation for the talks was a  little cramped, ithe event was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  The owners of The Folly were very welcoming and we thank them for making their facilities available to us. We are a professional company supplying the latest