, 1872-11-17
The Chapel, The Ballroom, the Kitchen,
the Dining-Room, and the
Terrace.
Tom Browns Schooi--The Rooms
and Grounds" Mugby
junction"

words shout it, in the hope that, to some, at
least this old castle may not be already q trite
subject. The chief interest Of the place consists
in the fact that it is
AN OLD FEUDh HALL,
kept up exactly as it used to be in the o1den
time. No one lives in it now, and its owner
takes the greatest care that everything shall be
preserved exactly as it has been for ages. It is
situated near tile central part of England, in the
midstof hilly country. 4 thick forest surrounds
it, and the clear stream Of the Wye flows gently
along beneath ita walls. a mora beautiful and
romantic situation for an ancient castle could
scarcely be imagined. The very choicest Of pas
tora1 landscapes lies about it, and
from it's lofty watchtower the eye
roans over fertile valleys, green
hills, dark woods, and glittering streams. It
VAS built away back in the Norman times, and
was never intended for fortress, but only for J.
peaceful dwelling, and its owners have ever been
celebrated Tor their hospitality. It used to be-
long to the Vernon family, but passed from
them to Sir John Manners in most curious and
romantic way, as am going hereafter to chow
you The descendants Of Sir John Manners
still possess it.
The entrance is through low oaken door,
beneath q tower. There is no drawbridge, and
no portcullis. for; as said. the Hall is not 3
fortress. On the right as you enter is the
porter's lodge, q small, low room, looking un-
comfortable enough, with it's stone floor and
walls, and little, latticed window. Passing this,
re stand within large court, paved with flag
stones, and surrounded by the principal build
ings Of the Hall Curious water-spouts, carved
in all sorts OF whimsical shapes, project from
the caves above; and at one corner rises high
tower, which used to be the watchtower. Ira
versing the court, We reach small door, which
opens into
TIE CHAPEL
a very old and most curious room, built in the
Norman style. Here are still the well-wozn
oaken seats, and the pews where the lords Of
the castle aat, fenced off from the vulgar by
high screens OF ornamented wood, once rich
with gilt, but now sadly tarnished. There are
traces Of paintings on the walls, and a little
stained glass still remains in the windows. 80
and highly-decorated room. The pulpit still
remains, and behind it ls 3 curious confes-
sional to which dilapidated flight Of stans
leads up. The ancient font, too, il stil here.
But the chapel is By. no means SO interesting
as many other parts Of the Hall. Passing back
into the court, We ascend d short fight OF steps,
and enter the state apartments. The bedrooms
are still hung With tapestry, and behind it lurk,
perhaps, many secret door and hiding place,
known only to the castles lords. One cannot help
imagining mysterious passages. and dark corri-
doris, and hidden closets here. The whole place
seems wild and strange, and lit for acts OF feudal
violence and treachery.
THE STATE BALLROOM
is noble apartment, all panelled and ceiled in
dark oak. A great bay-window projects from
one side, and forms large receas, from which
beautiful views Of the surrounding country may
be obtained This ample room seems exactly
fitted for the stately minuet aud the grave
dances OF the olden time. From one end OF it, q
the terrace, where, daresay, the gay knights
and ladies would 80 out and walk in the moon
Light, when wearied with the dance. There is
also retiring-room near by, where those who
did not care to join in the dance might sit
apart in quiet. From one Of these state apart
ments, = narrow, winding stairway leads into the
watchtower before mentioned. Here are rooms
for the archets for even peaceful feuda1
dwelling could not be without Bome defenders in
case Of need There are suitable places here
for keeping bows and arrows, and also sort Of
framework fixed in the wall, which WAS used in
Bt11nging bows.
Leaving this part Of the building, We descend
again to the great court, and pass nnder an arch
way into smaller court, from which open out
the rooms of the servants,
THE KITCHEN,
and the various etorehouses- Tbs Kitchen mas
still it's old oTep its oak shelves, it's tables, and
all the convenieuces requisite for the feudal
cuisine. 1t is evident our forefathers we're not
averse to hash; for, in one Of the heavy oak
slabs which were used as side-tables, are two
round cavities acooped out. wherein much hash
has evidently been manufactured; for the first
cavity was worn clear through by the blows Of
and the second would not have lasted much
longer, had time allowed The ancient style Of
cooking to go on. There is d butchery next to
the kitchen, and evidently the cook or his
assistants had to kill the animals as vel
dining-room, very beautifully panelled and
ceiled with richly carved oak. There is fine
oriel window at one end, and through lts dla-
mond-Bbaped panes are seen the waving trees
in which are tit receptacles for bottles Of wine,
opens out of this room :; and near tho orlel WIN
dow still stands the mighty bronze punch-howl
which was used in the Old times.
But this is only the private dining g,,5 room. sns
= feast, they would spread the table in
NOBLE BANQuE1IEd HALL
near by. A lofty, spacious apartment it is, with
beams Of oak, and stone-paved door. Ihe very
table still is here, round which 80 many merry
jewellers have sat. 1t is Of oak, and is all un-
even and rubbed away by the friction Of whole
generations Of heavy platters and dishes: This
table stands upon little dais, slightly elevated
above the rest of the room. The table for the
retainers and servants was probably i, IN
opposite end Of the room from the lords table is
q spacious minstrels' gallery, which is con-
uected, by separate entrance and & long corT1-
dor, with the state apartments before mentioned:
Here, then, the noble lords OF Haddon sat
about their mighty punch with their friends
around them. Here they feasted and listened to
the lofty strains of minstre1s' music: again
and again would the cup go round, and woe to
him who refusedit. His punishment was indeed