All photos © Robin and Arlene Karpan
With the theme “There’s no time like the present to discover the past”, King’s Landing, about a half hour west of Fredericton, New Brunswick, recreates life in the 19th century village throughout its 300 acres of restored and reconstructed buildings and artifacts.
We have been to a number of historic villages around the country, but what stood out for us was the immense size of the operation and the meticulous attention to detail. It really was an entire village with a lively and upbeat atmosphere rather than simply old buildings.
A vision to protect valuable heritage
The concept for creating King’s Landing took shape in the 1960s when the Mactaquac dam on the Saint John River was being constructed about 19 km upstream from Fredericton. Heritage buildings that would have been flooded by the reservoir were rescued and moved to the present site at King’s Landing. Many dated to roughly between 1820 and 1920, spanning the eras when United Empire Loyalists and settlers from Scotland, Ireland and Britain moved to the area.
Over 70 historic buildings and some 90,000 artifacts make up the recreated village with everything from family homes to a school, churches, store, stable, gristmill, sawmill, local pub, and more. Farm animals wander in paddocks, and special programming provides a glimpse into the past.
Where King’s Landing really shines is the role-playing by several interpreters in period dress throughout the expansive open-air museum. They are store-keepers, printers, farmers, blacksmiths, and almost anyone else you can imagine who would live and work in a 19th century village. They are supposed to stay in character and relate to visitors as if they have been transported back in time.
Your visit begins
As you come onto the grounds at King’s Landing, you make your way to the large Welcome Centre where displays and photographs set the stage for the village. You also find out about activities taking place on the day of your visit which might include candle making, paper crafts, or perhaps hooking a rug. You are given a map and a quick orientation to the vast site, and after that you are free to walk about and discover the highlights on your own.
Hands-on Heritage
The first stop we made was at the Hagerman House. The interpreters introduced themselves, and invited us to have a closer look at the impressive home, once owned by Loyalist families. The dining room was set in fine china all ready for a dinner party, while the upstairs bedrooms had colourful hand-woven rugs, baskets, and quilts.
Next door at the workshop, the carpenter was explaining how he planned to make a wooden chest. He showed us the tools he used and some of the pieces he had already built.
From here we walked to the Joslin farm that takes up a large area with its stables, farm house and well-tended gardens. We chatted with one of the workers who, on this hot and sunny mid-July day, was hoping that he didn’t have to hoe the weeds much longer. Vegetables were flourishing, especially beans, onions and beets that needed to be picked soon. Many of the vegetables were used in preparing meals at the on-site restaurants.
At the stables, we were able to see some of the Belgian and Percheron horses used to pull the wagons circulating throughout the site. You can flag down a wagon anywhere along the route, and get off where you like. This is a very popular option especially with families with small children.
Soon we rounded the corner to the Jones family home that dates to the 1830s, the only stone house at King’s Landing.
By this time, we were working up quite a thirst in the mid-day sun. Fortunately, the solution was just across the bridge at the King’s Head where the inn-keeper happened to have rhubarb cordial as well as beer on tap.
Across the bridge, we stopped in at the school, one of the churches, the print shop with its hand-set metal press, a rustic cabin, and more settlers’ homes.
It was at the homes that we were able to best connect with the interpreters who were going about their daily routines – some of the women in their long dresses and bonnets were crocheting and knitting, a man showed us how he pumped water into the house from his nearby well, and another lady demonstrated how to use a reflector oven in front of the monstrous fireplace to cook muffins and other goodies.
And what’s a village without a general store? Grant Store carries an eclectic mix of items that villagers might have used at the time, along with the obligatory candy, souvenirs and handmade items. And remember their motto – “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it”.
Other industries: The “smithy” and sawmill
We also paid a visit to the blacksmith shop where the local blacksmith was keen to show us some of the work he did. Blacksmiths were integral to villages at the time, working with horseshoes, crafting tools, and forging and bending metal for repairs.
Next it was on to the sawmill as we circled around making our way back to the Welcome Centre. We had saved the best for last. A remarkable feat of engineering, the water-powered saw produced lumber from huge logs, using water pressure from an upstream pond. The saw wasn’t operating on the day of our visit, but the on-site worker said that when it’s running, the floor boards shake and the walls creak with the strain of the pressure.
Enjoying the local fare or bring a picnic
It’s easy to spend a half day or even a full day at King’s Landing. Lunches, burgers, drinks and baked goods are available at the Axe & Plough Café at the Welcome Centre. The King’s Head Inn Restaurant has an assortment of treats and refreshments, and fine dining at special events. Another option is pack your own picnic and enjoy it on site. And of course, if you find the distances a bit long, a horse-drawn wagon will take you where you want to go next.
How to get to King’s Landing
King’s Landing is located in Prince William, New Brunswick, about 30 minutes or so west of Fredericton. Just follow Route 102, or watch for signs off the Trans-Canada Highway. The site operates daily from June to mid-October, with special events happening occasionally in the off-season such as a Victorian Christmas, or a celebration of the maple-sugar season.
Other articles on New Brunswick on Photojourneys that you might enjoy
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- Covered bridges of New Brunswick
- Exploring Cape Enrage
- Saint John, New Brunswick is a Delightful Mix of History and Nature
- St. Martins and the Fundy Trail Parkway
- Minister’s Island – Driving Across the Ocean Floor in New Brunswick
- Kingsbrae Gardens near St. Andrews
Resources
King’s Landing website has more detailed information to help you plan your visit.
For more information on other attractions throughout New Brunswick visit Tourism New Brunswick.
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