The first item on the list will be a lining fabric, probably cotton sheeting (it’s wide and it’s cheap), this will allow the space between the pole and the canvas to be permanently covered for storage and the hiding of the anachronisms that make life easier. A lining will help keep the draft and bugs out too, especially if the canvas doors are left open to let the heat out on (hopefully!) hot days.

Floor covering - plastic sheet makes very annoying crinkly noises but is waterproof. Maybe a painted canvas sheet over this is an option, certainly being considered. Rugs and throws are also an option – the Poundshop and places like that tend to have rag rugs in so doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Table and chairs are somewhere in the future but will eventually get thought about, finding something suitably authentic that folds down for easy transport is the key, think I will need to talk to my dad very nicely – again.

One thing we can and will be doing is lots of ironwork in our tent. The plans for chandeliers and sconces are underway, I also have plans for hanging rails, pot stands and picture rails. The pictures will not be in frames unfortunately but will be done on canvas with top and bottom rails of either wood or metal so that they hang well but can be rolled up for easy transport. Pictures will be done by my mum and my brother in law, both of whom are very nifty with a brush.

My bed is also going to get a bit of extra fuss. My bed was made to a medieval pattern and is the best piece of kit I have. However, due to the way that I have designed the tent it will be possible with a bit of jiggery pokery to canopy and curtain the bed without too much extra weight and space in the car being needed. While we already have nicely authentic wool blankets and sheepskins, we are going to move to linen rather than cotton sheets – linen is cooler in the hot summers. There is the next seriously authentic step of going for the straw mattress but to be honest I think that is just not going to be practical – think of the space that will take in the car!

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