Haddon Hall, Bakewell Derbyshire

One of the most fascinating "houses" I've seen this year is Haddon Hall in the Peaks District, Derbyshire. It is one of the finest examples of a medieval manor in England.  It dates back to the 12th  century and was used until the 17th century.    It was then left empty for over 200 years and so bypassed more modern renovations.  In the 1920s the 9th Duke and Duchess of Rutland restored the house and gardens and made it their home. 

Haddon Hall is located alongside the River Wye, just out side of Bakewell, and not far from the magnificent Chatsworth House.   From around 1087, the house was owned by William the Conqueror's illegitimate son, William Peverel, and his descendants.  It changed hands, through marriage, to the Vernon family on the 13th century.  

The property changed hands once more in the 16th century when, again through marriage, the Manners family took hold of Haddon. In 1703 the Manners became Duke and Duchess of Rutland. They chose to make their primary home in the spectacular Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire so left Haddon house unused. As a result, Haddon Hall stood abandoned and neglected for more than 200 years, between 1702 and 1920.

Because Haddon Hall is so well preserved as medieval manor house, it is often featured in historical films and television programs.  It was used for Humperdinck's castle in The Princess Bride and in the movie Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley.

For a full list of movies and TV programs filmed at Haddon Hall:  http://www.haddonhall.co.uk/film-and-photo-shoots/films-and-television-programmes-featuring-haddon-hall/

The house is open to visitors from April to October, with a whole host of special events being staged throughout the season.  

We were there on a September day where a medieval musical troop performed a wonderful concert.

This room really impressed me.  It is called the Long Hall and it was designed to give the women of the Manor and place to walk and get their exercise no matter what the weather was outside. 

The dining room 

 A portrait of  King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth of York are carved into the wood paneling

A medieval kitchen

Drawings on the wall of the Chapel

This tomb was carved by Lord Haddon's mother, Violet Haddon. She had little training as a sculptor but when her young son died, she found solace in learning the craft and creating this beautiful tomb. It reads: ‘Robert Charles John Manners, Lord Haddon. Born Aug. 8th 1885, Died Sept. 28th 1894. Eldest son of Henry 8th Duke of Rutland, K.G. and Violet his Wife. For ever wilt thou grieve and he be fair.’ And, at the foot of the base: ‘Hope of my eyes/ Something is broken that we cannot mend/ With Grief, Remembrance/ Pride and Love, I decorate/ his Memory/ Dear dear little Boy/ You give us all Perpetual Benediction. Entirely designed and modelled/ by his Mother.’

Haddon Hall seems to make the middles ages come back to life.  On Trip Advisor one reviewer said, "On a scale of 1-10, Haddon Hall is a 15!" I agree. It certainly is well worth a visit.