The Great Chamber

This room is in the oldest wing of the hall and dates back to c.1360. It represents one of the very few examples of early domestic apartments in the North West and the UK and, as such, is therefore nationally significant.

Today, it is dressed as Alice Radclyffe's bedchamber c.1510 and represents the 'Woman's World' of the house.

Also known as The Solar, this was the ladies' withdrawing room. A light, bright space for rest and relaxation, a place where the lady of the house might pass on valuable skills to her daughters. A room where females could practice their embroidery, learn a musical instrument or just rest from the rigours of the day to day running of a large household.

Other highlights of the Great Chamber include:

• Medieval paintwork on the roof braces
• A reproduction Tudor bath that visitors can sit in!
• The portrait of an Elizabethan lady c.1590
• Costumes to try on
• The four poster bed visitors can get under the covers of!
• A Tudor coffer (piece of furniture for storing clothing, bedding, food, treasure and weapons)

This page was last updated on 13 September 2011