RYEDALE Folk Museum is offering free entry as part of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest celebration of history, culture and architecture on Saturday, September 21.

To celebrate 25 years of the festival and in recognition of the 200 years that have passed since the Peterloo Massacre, the theme this year is People Power.

Rosie Goodwin, Ryedale Folk Museum’s events co-ordinator, said: “It’s a really important theme and one that is highly relevant for us at the Museum.

“Our site tells the story of the lives of ordinary people, going about their everyday lives in Ryedale, all the way from Pre-history to the 1950s.

“For us, it’s an opportunity to reflect that against all manner of political and economic upheaval, ordinary people have been striving to do the best for their families for thousands of years, often making a remarkable impact within their communities.

“Our homes tell these tales of domesticity and home life, offering fascinating glimpses of Ryedale life.”

Across the six-acre open-air site there are 20 heritage buildings to explore, many of which are thatched

As part of Heritage Open Day, visitors will be able to meet the Museum blacksmith and resident ‘witch’.

Volunteer archaeologists will also be on hand, inviting visitors to make pottery to take home and to bring their own archaeological finds with them for identification.

Rosie said: “We’re so lucky to have such talented and experienced volunteers on our team. This Heritage Open Day offers an opportunity for visitors to discover more about the lives of the people before us, with archaeology offering unique insights.”

For more information go to www.ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk