Haddon Hall

To be found hugging the banks above the River Wye in the delightful Derbyshire Peak District is the splendid family home of Lord Manners. The ancient manor of Haddon has evolved over several centuries to form, what is today, a charmingly irregular complex of buildings arranged around two courtyards, and enhanced by its magnificent gardens. When the Vernon family first occupied Haddon Hall in the 12th century, the property would have consisted of no more than a tower surrounded by a high wall. As their wealth increased from the thriving lead mining industry in the area, so the Vernons substantially enlarged their house towards the end of the 14th century. Some of the best surviving work from this early period of building can be seen in the banqueting hall and the kitchens, which remain authentically medieval in both décor and furniture.

Haddon Hall continued to expand and to be remodelled over the next three centuries, but after that nothing more than essential maintenance was carried out to the property until early in the 20th century when it was re-occupied by the 9th Duke of Rutland. For two centuries the family had abandoned their ancestral seat at Haddon in favour of more comfortable accommodation at Belvoir Castle, which was then home to the Manners' family, later the Earls and Dukes of Rutland. The union of the two families was the result of a controversial marriage between Dorothy Vernon and Sir John Manners, son of the first Earl of Rutland, in 1563, and a romantic legend is related about this headstrong young lady.

Whilst celebrating the marriage of her elder sister, held in the marvellous Elizabethan long gallery built by their father, Dorothy eloped with her lover through the back door of the hall. No one can be certain if this really happened, but what is certain is that the long gallery is a splendidly crafted room that reflects light and spaciousness.

In 1920 a major restoration of the old, neglected building was undertaken but all work was perfectly moulded to the medieval character of the original construction and, when completed, it represented the Haddon Hall pretty much as it was left at the beginning of the 18th century. The chapel, like the house itself, developed gradually over six centuries and has bold Norman arches, 15th century painted glass, some outstanding wall paintings, and plenty of solid oak woodwork. Perhaps the only structural addition, and one of great ingenuity and interest, is the creation of the 'squinches' at the entrance to the courtyard. These are a series of little windows, arches and ledges, all at different angles and levels, and of various shapes, constructed in a practical way to link two buildings.

At the same time as the 9th Duke of Rutland was returning the house to its former glory, so the Duchess was concentrating on the gardens. Renowned throughout the world for its fabulous collection of roses, Haddon Hall is simply a riot of colour and fragrance, whatever the season. Wandering through the spectacular gardens, with their ancient backdrop of mellow-coloured stonework provided by the house, there is a real sense of living among the evocative 'time stood still' environment.