GILBERT White’s House Museum at Selborne re-branded the Gilbert Games and brought it back as the successful Georgian Fair.

Visitors were transported back in time to the 18th Century - a perfect tonic for our electronic age, celebrating the science, craft, food and entertainment of the Georgian period.

The 18th Century was the Age of Enlightenment and students from Eggar’s School in Alton delved into Georgian life and science to produce a number of fascinating interactive exhibits, from explaining about White’s hotbed construction to discussing one of the great natural science debates of the century: whether certain species hibernate or migrate.

There were boards on Georgian cooking and growing fruit, as well as an in-depth study of bats, a topic Gilbert White was interested in.

Other highlights of the fair included a craft work marquee and stalls, with demonstrations and workshops as well as displays of falconry, West Surrey Ferret Rescue, and the Hampshire Regency Dancers.

There was the opportunity to have a go at games and sports popular in the 18th Century, to enjoy making butter in Gilbert White’s kitchen, and learning how to scythe. Plus a chance to meet Gilbert White (aka Ronnie Davidson-Houston) who arrived astride his pony, Mouse, and Gilbert’s tortoise, Timothy.

Visitors could also dress in Georgian costume and have their portrait taken… or at least the modern equivalent, the selfie!