You get your money's worth at Burton Agnes because the entrance fee gives access to not one but two houses, the second being the original Norman manor house built by Roger de Stuteville in 1173. It was encased in brick in the 17th century, when it served as a laundry to the newly built hall next door. Thrillingly however, you can enter the original Norman vaulted undercroft, and climb a 12th century spiral staircase to the Great Hall above, which was restored and reroofed in the 15th century. There are small delights to be seen, like the peg holes in one of the pillars, believed to be for playing the game of 'nine men's morris'. There's also some old graffiti scratched on the wall.
I'm always thrilled to see how historic architecture is saved by others who care for those old places. We call that 9 hole game tic tac toe (I think.) Those windows weren't there originally either, but maybe shutters?
You get your money's worth at Burton Agnes because the entrance fee gives access to not one but two houses, the second being the original Norman manor house built by Roger de Stuteville in 1173. It was encased in brick in the 17th century, when it served as a laundry to the newly built hall next door. Thrillingly however, you can enter the original Norman vaulted undercroft, and climb a 12th century spiral staircase to the Great Hall above, which was restored and reroofed in the 15th century. There are small delights to be seen, like the peg holes in one of the pillars, believed to be for playing the game of 'nine men's morris'. There's also some old graffiti scratched on the wall.
I'm always thrilled to see how historic architecture is saved by others who care for those old places. We call that 9 hole game tic tac toe (I think.) Those windows weren't there originally either, but maybe shutters?
ReplyDeleteThe age of it is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe old portion is particularly impressive!
ReplyDeleteWonderful Shots - Thanx For Sharing
ReplyDeleteCheers