Winters at St Fagans
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Stop here for a minute.
As you look out over the fields, what’s the weather like today?
Is the sun warming your face? Are you being drizzled on? Is there a breeze or a cold wind making you feel a bit chilly?
You may already know that temperatures have risen over the past few centuries. Winters at St Fagans used to be colder and harsher in the past.
It was 1-2 degrees colder in the 1900s which meant that lakes and ponds would freeze over for longer. This allowed for ice skating and curling.
In fact, in the early 1900s there was even an outdoor curling rink in the village.
Locals, including Hugh Pettigrew the St Fagans head gardener, used to play there. This was mainly used by wealthier villagers.
For the less wealthy people who worked on the estate, winter was a difficult time.
Tenant farmers’ work was seasonal and as there were no crops to harvest in winter they might struggle to pay rent or have enough to eat.
We do know that the Earl of Plymouth was quite a generous landlord.
Every Christmas he would give his tenants meat and throw a party for all the school children. This must have made those cold winters a bit easier!
Snow days are rare now.
We only remember a handful including the Beast from the East in 2018.
Summers are warmer and drier, and winters are milder and wetter.
Although we might enjoy the warmer weather, it’s important to remember the impact it has on nature.
Climate change can cause extreme weather and be confusing for wildlife.
We can all make changes to our lifestyles to help slow climate change!
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Andrew Pettigrew on St Fagans curling rink – 1979.
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Andrew Pettigrew on St Fagans tenants and estate – 1979.
Welcome to the Everyday Life trail!
St Fagans is a living history museum where you can explore the past and learn about how people lived….
Winters at St Fagans
Every Christmas the Earl of Plymouth would give his tenants meat and throw a party for all the school children…
Derwen Bakehouse
Derwen Bakehouse was built in Aberystwyth in 1900 and moved to the museum in 1982…
Local sports teams
Sport is a big part of Welsh life. It is part of the national identity, a source of national pride…
Oakdale Workmen's Institute
Workmen’s Institutes were a big part of mining communities in Wales between the 1880s and 1930s…
Plymouth Great Wood
This semi-ancient woodland has its name because it used to belong to the Earl of Plymouth…
Life at Llwyn-yr-Eos
The farmhouse was built in 1820. It wasn’t moved here like other buildings at the museum; it was built where it stands…
Project funders
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.
The Secret Garden is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to work with adults with learning disabilities and other additional needs to explore the rich history of Ysgubor Fawr cottage and nurture its garden.
