A little bit Of Derbyshire History…..

Haddon Hall….a very dignified Medieval Manor House.

Occupying a splendid view point above a bend in the River Wye, with expansive views over the Derbyshire countryside the fortified Medieval Manor House of Haddon has stood on this site since the 12 century.

Entry is across the clear waters of the Wye, up a defensive incline, through heavy and well defended doors, into a Courtyard of some size.

Castles, Halls and Manors have reflected the fortunes of the country, enduring wars, misfortune and rivalry across the centuries. As they were also family homes the ups and downs of family fortunes have always played a large part in there survival.

Haddon Hall is no exception being in the heart land of English life and was an important House till 17th century when it fell empty. It remained empty for over 200 years till in 1920 the 9th Duke and Duchess of Rutland embarked upon a program of restoration. Haddon Hall is still owned by the Duke of Rutland (of Belvoir Castle). It is still a family home and lived in by the Dukes brother and family. What you see on a visit today is pretty much unchanged and is what visitors will have seen over many centuries….

Once inside Haddon you tour a number of large rooms that were once the hub of the Hall. Banqueting hall, Long Gallery and Parlour with below stairs Kitchens….one striking and unusual feature of these rooms are the number of windows and highly crafted wood paneled walls and elaborate plaster ceilings …..

Most Houses of stature have a visitors book for those very special guest to endorse…at Haddon they inscribe their names on stone above a fireplace….

As a Manor House, Haddon played an important role to those who lived within the local boundaries and  like all important house it had within its protection a Chapel.

At Haddon the Chapel can be found in the corner of the Courtyard. Dedicated to Saint Nicholas it is particularly important for the 15th century Wall Paintings and decoration, some of the very best I have been lucky to see. High wooden roofed it is a spacious Chapel with wooden Box Pews, Stained Glass windows, a Stone Alter and family memorials….

But your visit isn’t complete without a tour of the gardens. Elizabethan in layout they have recently been given a makeover. Much use is made of both the various levels the terrace cover but also the many walls that act as sun traps. Mid May is just a little early to see the garden at their best, new growth is everywhere trying to bring the carpet of colour that will adorn them in mid summer…even so the odd Rose is doing its best to put on a show…..and the views are expansive and spectacular…

And on any sunny afternoon it is also a great place just to sit, reflect, relax and enjoy your surroundings.

I also guess you will resolve to return again

15th May
(C) David Oakes 2015