HERITAGE Open Days is offering a free peak inside Tonedale House this September.

Part of a week of celebration of history and culture, the event offers the opportunity to discover the life and times of the Fox family.

Discover the history of Tonedale House, shown here in the 1890s, at an Open Day on September 17.
Discover the history of Tonedale House, shown here in the 1890s, at an Open Day on September 17. (PHOTO: Ben Fox)

Grade II listed Tonedale House was built in 1807 by Thomas Fox who came to Wellington from Cornwall in the 1760's to join the woollen manufacturing business of his maternal grandparents.

As Thomas expanded his business from its South Street base, he built Tonedale House so that he could live nearby.

A spokesperson said: “Discover the life and times of the Fox Family and their staff in this loved family home with self-guided tours.

The Open Day offers the chance to undertake a self-guided tour of the house that was built in 1807 by Thomas Fox.
The Open Day offers the chance to undertake a self-guided tour of the house that was built in 1807 by Thomas Fox. (PHOTO: Ben Fox)

“Step inside and explore the collections from the woollen manufacturing business, including a 1773 Were & Co. pattern order book, and the many heirlooms passed down through generations. Volunteers will there on the day to answer any questions.

“Explore the beautiful four-acre landscaped garden with a mill stream running alongside it.”

The Open Day on September 17 (10 am to 4 pm) forms part of the National English Heritage Open Days in collaboration with Wellington Museum from September 11 to 20.

Wellington Museum will be celebrating the town’s industrial heritage during a week of National English Heritage Open Days.
Wellington Museum will be celebrating the town’s industrial heritage during a week of National English Heritage Open Days. (Tindle News)

The museum will be celebrating the town’s industrial heritage with firms such as Fox Bros, Walter Gregory, William Thomas, Egerton Burnett and Price Bros bringing prosperity of Wellington.

A museum spokesperson said: “The museum will be having a special display for these firms and there will also be playing Workers Tales, which is part of an oral history project where workers in these firms recorded their experiences.

“The museum also has various publications that relate to their history that you can buy.

“So come along and see the exhibition and hear the workers tell you what it was like to be working in these factories – a splendid time is guaranteed for all!”