HADDON HALL, DERBYSHIRE
=How to get there.=—Through train from St. Pancras or change at
Derby. Midland Railway.
=Nearest Station.=—Rowsley (1-1/2 miles distant).
=Distance from London.=—149-1/2 miles.
=Average Time.=—4 to 4-1/3 hours.
1st 2nd 3rd
=Fares.=—Single 19s. 11d. … 12s. 4-1/2d.
Return 39s. 10d. … 24s. 9d.
=Accommodation Obtainable.=—At Bakewell—"Rutland Arms Hotel,"
"Red Lion," "Castle," etc.
Haddon Hall, the most perfect of baronial mansions existing in England, is situated in a wonderfully picturesque position on a limestone rock overlooking the river Wye in Derbyshire. The manor was originally given by William the Conqueror to William Peveril, the famous "Peveril of the Peak" of Scott's novel. In the reign of Henry II. the lands reverted to the Crown, and the property was granted to the Avenalls, from whom it passed by marriage to the Vernons, of whom the last, Sir George, known as the "King of the Peak," died in 1567. His daughter, the celebrated Dorothy Vernon, married John Manners, son of the Earl of Rutland, and thus the property passed to the Rutland family, who are still the owners.
The mansion is approached by a small bridge crossing the river Wye, whence one enters, under a lofty archway, the first courtyard. In this beautiful quadrangle one of the most interesting features is the chapel at the south-west corner. This chapel, which is one of the oldest portions of the structure, is Norman, with some later work. Almost opposite, on the left, is the magnificent porch and bay-window leading into the great hall. It is exactly as it was in the days of the Vernons, with its dais and table at which the "lord of the feast" sat, its huge fireplace, timber roof, and minstrels' gallery. Adjoining it is the dining-room, a magnificent apartment erected by the "King of the Peak." Here there is a remarkably fine oriel window, richly ornamented with carving.
Among other interesting features in the second courtyard are the drawing-room, hung with the original arras, the long gallery, and the ancient state-room, adjoining which is the Peveril Tower, the highest point and oldest portion of the hall. The long gallery, with its stately bay-windows, looks on to the well-known terrace and the magnificent garden, made so familiar by photographs.
Haddon Hall may be seen by visitors from nine till dusk, a gratuity being generally given to the attendant.
[Illustration: Photochrom Co., Ltd.