Haddon Hall is a truly wonderful place to visit if you are lucky enough to be holidaying here with us in the Peak District. It has welcomed visitors from all over the country over the ages, from aristocracy to the general public and its beauty and atmosphere never fails to enchant those who leave, enticing them back for more.
Described by Simon Jenkins in ‘The 1000 Best Houses’ as ‘the most romantic house to survive from the middle ages’, it certainly lives up to its name with a very romantic legend surrounding it. The elopement of the daughter of the Duke of Rutland, heiress Dorothy Vernon, was reputed to have run off with John manners, the second son of Thomas Manners (the first Earl of Rutland) in 1553. A film was made about the story starring Mary Pickford, but it wasn’t actually shot at Haddon itself.
It is one of the finest examples of a fortified mediaeval manor house in existence today and present-day Haddon Hall dates from the 12 century to the early 17th century. It lay dormant for over 200 years from 1700 until the 1920’s when the ninth Duke and Duchess of Rutland restored the house and gardens once again. It has avoided fire, warfare, family misfortune and changing fashions, but little has changed over the recent centuries providing-us with a unique view of early English life and history.
It is a building of sturdy construction, which has admirably withstood the test of time restoration work on the hall is an ongoing process, made possible by interim for the hundreds of visitors who come each year. The most noticeable reparation work can be seen on the stonework of some of the windows, which was made necessary that by the long-term effect of whether there has also been corrosion of the import iron glazing bars but as a whole, the building still looks totally magnificent – as it would have looked hundreds of years ago. The most recent project has been the restoration of the three windows in the chapel, which were built in the early 15th century and was completed in the spring of 2004.
The intricate stonework has been exactly restored using local Derbyshire sandstone and has been carried out in the same perpendicular style and mortared back into position by the experts. The windows were carefully removed, each piece of glass dismantled, gently cleaned and then reloaded. Some of the ancient diamond shaped panels were less than a millimetre thick in places so you can see what a delicate operation it was.
There are guided tours available of the hall on a regular basis throughout the summer and visitors are given the chance to be shown round the house by experts and experienced guides. The tours are free and really informative, so check with Haddon hall to get the next educational tour booked in your diary!
Haddon is constantly in demand as a film and television location, most recently being made star of the show in the 2011 version of Jane Eyre. The BBC has also filmed the TV version there as well. Haddon has also starred in Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley and The Other Boleyn Girl featuring Natalie Portman. The Princess Bride was also partly filmed here as well other parts of the Peak District, as the interior of Humperdinck’s castle.
The Gatehouse Gift Shop includes items by local artists and craftspeople made exclusively for the Hall itself. There are many books which relate to the history and traditional tapestries are available to purchase, such as beautiful cushions, bags, wall plaques and table runners. The gifts reflect the seasons to enhance the house and garden in the summer months and at Christmas, there are stunning gifts available and decorations in December.
Special events at the Hall are always popular arranged by The Tudor Group and there have been several musical events and festivals, as well as Last Night of the Proms and Tudor cookery workshops. Haddon Hall isn’t open at all times of the year so do check their website for details and see what’s on when so you can arrange your visit straightaway. You certainly won’t be disappointed.