ROSEDENE, a small National Trust owned chartist cottage in Dodford, Bromsgrove, is open for guided tours on the first Sunday of every month until December 2.

Visitors can step back in time and learn all about the radical Chartist movement and how Rosedene played its part.

The cottage was built as part of the movement, which campaigned for social and political reform in the mid-19th century. One of its initiatives was to settle ordinary workers on smallholdings so they could be self-sufficient and would be entitled to vote.

It was first occupied in 1849 and is largely unaltered since the Victorian era. Period fittings and furniture recreate how the cottage may have appeared in the late 19th century.

Rosedene’s garden, which produces fruit and vegetables for use in the tea room at neighbouring property Hanbury Hall, is now certified organic. The garden includes four beds used to rotate crops such as cabbages, potatoes, beans and strawberries. There is also a restored orchard with nearly 100 fruit trees of traditional varieties.

Rosedene and Hanbury Hall visitor services manager, Alice Eddy, said: “The guided tours provide visitors with a fascinating opportunity to learn about how people lived in Rosedene, with each room having a specific use.

“You can also discover more about the history of the Chartist movement and outside visitors will see the garden that was crucial to the Chartists’ self-sufficient way of life.”

Entry to Rosedene is by pre-booked guided tour only. Admission costs £5 for adults, £2.50 for children, £12.50 for families and is free for National Trust members.

To book a place on a guided tour, please contact: 01527 821214.