Rambling Russells : Netherby Hall 26th Nov 2017

We were visiting Netherby Hall for a Craft Fair and didn't really know what to expect, but were very pleasantly surprised with what we found!

photo:netherbyhall.co.uk

The craft fair was set inside the house - the most amazing setting for a craft fair I think we have ever been in!
Entry through the front door led into a wonderful hall - as beautiful as the objects on offer for sale.

photo: netherbyhall.co.uk

The Great Oak Room then offered us more - in the way of stalls as well as architecture. We didn't know what to look at first!
The stalls were wonderful - lots of unusual crafts that we had not seen before and friendly stallholders willing to chat about their products. A stall representing Kirkandrews-upon-Esk church was especially helpful, giving us information about the estate church that is still in use and well worth a visit. (see more later!)
After perusing the stalls it was then time to peruse the room itelf - and what a room. The walls - and doors - were covered with carved oak panels. Each one seemed to be different to every other one. Stunning! The ceiling was decorated with carved and painted panels too.

photo:netherbyhall.co.uk

Wandering through to the room where refreshments were on offer gave us more glimpses of this wonderful house.
Looking into the background of the hall after we got home it seems that Netherby Hall has a very long, but rather unsettled, history. It dates from Roman times when there was a fort here called Castra Exploratorum. Long after the Romans left Netherby was at the heart of the Debateable Land between England and Scotland. The notorious, and lawless, Graham Reiving Clan terrorised the area. Even the establishment of a border line did nothing to bring about peace. After the union of the English and Scottish crowns in 1603 King James intervened to rid Kirkandrews of the Graham Clan threat by exiling some of them great distances.
One of the remaining Grahams was eventually knighted, becoming Sir Richard of Esk, who was a loyal servant to Charles I.
The hall and estate is centred around a 15th Century pele tower.

The hall has been developed over many centuries, with additions in the 18th and 19th Century. The house stands in 36 acres of parklands with lawns, a Victorian pleasure garden and a walled garden of about 1 acre.

photo:netherbyhall.co.uk

The present owners are undertaking a major restoration of the building and grounds. They intend to restore the stable area, including the Carriage House and Coachman's House, and bring the stableyard back to life as a working yard. They are also keen to restore the walled garden and re-instate two lean-to greenhouses.We hope they are successful in all their endeavours and are hoping to take a group there next year to have a proper tour!
Discussion about the church led us to go and visit that too while we were so close. You can walk to the church - crossing the "wibbly-wobbly" bridge over the river, but we chose to drive round to it on this occasion.
What another little treasure!