The clock has gone back a hundred years at Lyme Park, and Phyllis Legh, youngest daughter of the 2nd Lord Newton, is playing in her nursery. There are lots of dolls and teddy bears to cuddle, a magnificent doll’s house to play with, and games galore to enjoy – from snakes and ladders to dominoes and draughts.

Move the hands of the clock forward a century – and you too can play in Lyme’s Edwardian Nursery, just as Phyllis would have done. Dress up in Edwardian dressing gowns, jump up and down on the Edwardian bed – and if you’re a boy, have a go at Soldier Skittles or give the wooden train set a run.

Amy Carney, Lyme’s House and Collections Manager said: “This is the first time that a child’s room has been displayed at Lyme.The Edwardian Nursery has been recreated using evidence from Phyllis Legh’s book Treasure on Earth in which she writes about a family Christmas at Lyme in 1906, when she would have been 11 years old. The book is a real snapshot of Edwardian country life in a great house during the last ‘golden years’ of the Edwardian era. We’ve also used inventories of the house from 1879 and 1929 to help us recreate the nursery”.

“We know that Phyllis enjoyed playing Hide and Seek, and also a quiz game called ‘Impertinent Questions’. She appreciated music and enjoyed singing (although this was not one of her best talents) and thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the annual theatricals that the Legh family put on in the Long Gallery – these are also mentioned in Treasure on Earth. Phyllis loved Lyme passionately and developed strong relationships with the servants, particularly Mrs Campbell the Housekeeper and Mr Truelove the Butler”

“There are no ropes or barriers in the room and it’s great to hear the sound of families playing together – it’s really brought the house to life. Phyllis also kept a scrapbook filled with family photographs and sketches of Lyme during Edwardian time and we have recreated this so our younger visitors and their parents can look through it and see what life was like all those years ago. In the library we have a copy of Treasure on Earth which you can take down and read – so it’s well worth taking dipping in to find out more about Phyllis and her life”.

Don’t forget there are lots of things to do at Lyme Park this half term: get out and about on a walk across the estate with its stunning views; wander through the beautiful gardens, or try your hand at playing the elegant 1879 Erard piano in the Edwardian sitting room. There are house and garden quizzes, or you can delve into the secrets of the 15th century Lyme Caxton Missal. And of course, don’t forget to treat the family to a delicious meal of snack in the Timber Yard Coffee Shop or restaurant. Finally, look out for our look out for our special 3 for 2 offer on all plants sold in our shops across the region this half term – you’ll find a great selection in the shop at Lyme Park (offer runs 24 May – 5 June).

Lyme Park is open Fri – Tues, 11am*– 5pm (*please note between 11am and 2 noon entry to house is by guided tour only). For full details go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lymepark or call 01663 762023. The gardens and park are open daily.

Ends For further information contact Debbie Peers on 0161 925 4341/m 07887 630218 Images: The Legh Family of Lyme in 1905. Phyllis is the girl with the pigtails in the front row c National Trust Mia Krywonos aged 3 entertains friends to tea in the Edwardian Nursery at Lyme Park c National Trust/Emma Williams Notes for Editors Lyme Park is owned and managed by the National Trust but partly financed by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.

Events coming up at Lyme Park: Sat 19 & Sun 20 June, 11am – 5pm Beer and Bulbs!

Bring Dad along to try a couple of local beer tastings on Father’s day – and pick up some brilliant bulb bargains in Lyme’s annual bulb sale!

Sat 26 June 1 – 4pm In Mr Darcy’s Footsteps Visit the exterior location used in the BBC TV adaptation of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ when Lyme Park played Pemberley and Mr Darcy emerged from that lake!

Cream tea included. Tickets £20. Booking essential on 01663 762023.