I've joined The National Trust, so I aim to visit as many sites as I reasonably can this year, making the most of my membership. I started by visiting Sizergh Castle, not far from Grange over Sands. It's a substantial medieval house, set in rather beautiful grounds. It has belonged to the same family, the Stricklands, since 1239. The family still reside in one wing of the house and, apparently, still use the state rooms too, when the house is not open to the public.
The square tower on the left of the photo above is the original medieval (1300s) solar tower. The house has evolved around this over the centuries, as various generations have extended and altered it to suit their purposes. The house contains fine Elizabethan oak panelling and has furnishings reflecting styles from Elizabethan through to Regency and Victorian. The whole house contains many family portraits and more recent photographs, which makes it feel very personal and welcoming.
During the Tudor period, the Strickland family were very wealthy. Catherine Parr (who became the 6th wife of Henry VIII) and who was a relative of the Stricklands, is though to have lived here after the death of her first husband. When I visited, there was an exhibition of letters written by Cecilia Strickland (1741-1814) who owned the house in the 18th century. Her husband died and she fought to keep the house for her son's inheritance, despite her own ill-health and an ongoing struggle to afford to maintain the buildings. It was rather moving to read her letters; she sounds to have been a very strong and determined woman. It's lovely the way the National Trust these days works so hard to make history relevant and illuminating. I really enjoyed my visit.
What a splendid castle, just the sort of place that film-makers love. And the history you've shared is so interesting too. So far I've always resisted the temptation of the many love-notes sent to me by the NT offering their eternal gratitude and friendship if I just part with a few of my hard-earned pounds. However I've often been tempted though I doubt I'd ever be organised enough to make it worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous castle. Sounds like a fun thing to do this year as you have joined the National Trust. Looks like you had a beautiful day for your visit, too!
ReplyDeleteThe National Trust seems like such a valuable organization. One wonders what would happen to all of these buildings without the support of the Trust.
ReplyDeleteIt's good value and they have excellent cafes.
ReplyDeleteAn impressive and lovely castle, and not overwhelming- though you wouldn't want to climb those steps too many times in a day!
ReplyDeleteBravo, National Trust and bravo, jennyfreckles. I look forward to more visits this year. It is beyond my comprehension that one family can still own a property since 1239. Amazing!
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