The Manor of Haddon appears in the Domesday Book in 1087 as the property of William Peverel, an illegitimate son of William the Conqueror.

It was unfortunate for the family that one of William Peverel's descendents was on the losing side during a civil war. The manor was subsequently given to a William Avenal. In about 1170 he divided the estate between his two sons Richard de Vernon and Simon Basset.

Some of that old building which still remain are parts of the Peverel Tower and of the Chapel. It was Richard de Vernon who had a 12ft. wall built around the house. In the 14th century Sir Richard de Vernon IV added the Banqueting Hall and Kitchen.

Throughout the centuries additions and alterations were made until the ealry 18th century when the family moved to its other home of Belvoir in Rutland.

By this time the family name had changed because the estate had passed to a daughter (Dorothy) who married John Manners, son of the Earl of Rutland.

Fortunately the family ensured that the walls of Haddon Hall were kept intact because, in the earlier part of the 20th century, the 9th Duke of Rutland embarked on a restoration scheme. It is thanks to him and the resident members of the Manners family that we can visit this magnificent house and gardens

The house is on a hill above the River Wye and it is a bit of a climb to reach the Lower Courtyard and entrance. The buildings around the courtyard are in weathered gray stone and of various periods.

To the right is an early Tudor wing, to the left is the Museum and, on a high level, is the 14th century Banqueting Hall.

Some of the rooms to be seen when touring through the house are:

The Chapel

On the walls below the wooden beamed ceiling are some wonderful medieval wall paintings. The oldest part of the Chapel is on the south aisle - facing visitors as they enter from the Courtyard. The circular pillar and font are Norman and the font cover is Jacobean.

The north aisle is 14th century and the chancel 15th century, as is the Nottingham alabaster reredos above the altar.

The Banqueting Hall

This is a typical medieval hall with the dais at one end and a minstrels gallery.

Although it looks old, the roof is a 20th century replacement as the one that was there was in a dangerous condition. Nevertheless, the ceiling and beams look authentic. Most of the woodwork throughout the room is 15th century with the walls, doorways, windows and possibly the stone floor being original.

The Dining Room

Sir Henry Vernon built this as his parlor in about 1500. Before that this and the Great Chamber above it were one very high room.

Sir Henry's ceiling still retains its original painted decorations (restored in 1926) in a pattern of red and white with panels of heraldic emblems.

The Dining Room was completed in about 1545 by Sir George Vernon who put in the heraldic paneling around the room and Henry VIII's Coat of Arms above the fireplace.

The Long Gallery

At 110ft. long and 17ft. wide, this is a wonderfully light and airy room with windows on three sides. Over the fireplace is an interesting painting of Haddon Hall. It was painted in 1933 by Rex Whistler.

The Tapestries of Haddon Hall

Once upon a time there were a great many. Unfortunately 60 were destroyed in a fire in 1925.

Of the remaining ones there is a set of five "Senses" tapestries which including Feeling, Hearing, Seeing, Tasting and Smelling. It is thought that these were made at Mortlake (near London) in the early 17th century for King Charles I and that they were subsequently sold - after his execution.

Three of these tapestries hang on the staircase landing, one in the Banqueting Hall and the fifth in the Ante-Room to the State Bedroom.

Other tapestries include Hunting Scenes and were made in Brussels in the 16th century, and 17th century Flemish ones of woodland scenes.

The Gardens

These are laid out mostly on the south side of the house and are a series of terraces. They include pools, lawns, herbaceous borders and rose beds.

Haddon Hall is open May - September every day from 12.00 noon to 5.00 p.m. (April and October, Saturday - Monday only).

Admission: Adult - GBP8.50/$16; senior - GBP7.50/$14.50; children (5-16) GBP4.50/$9.

Car Park: GBP1/$1.95.

Directions: Haddon Hall is just off the A6 south of Bakewell.

Also off the A6 to the east of Bakewell is Chatsworth, a stately home in the grand manner.