As part of a trip back up to Sheffield took the opportunity to visit a couple of EH properties and then added a third, more local attraction at the end of last week. All EH, but with very different stories and restoration histories.
First up was Brodsworth Hall, a Victorian country house where almost everything has been left exactly as it was when it was still a family home (until 1988). Possessions that took more than 130 years to gather together, from the grandest piece of furniture to family mementoes and humble domestic items, are still in their original places. The faded wallpaper has been left in situ rather than restored – what you see is a real house and not some reconstructed artifice.
On the way back we called in to Bolsover Castle. A fascinating “toy castle” for the rich Cavendish family, the Little Keep is still in tact, as is the cavernous riding house. The Terrace Range, housing the plush state rooms, is now a roofless shell but still dramatic in appearance. Definitely worth a visit.
Closer to home, a revisit to Orford Castle, first visited many, many years ago. EH does a great job in bringing its buildings alive and the addition of audio guides at many properties, whilst occasionally a little cheesy, are an excellent example of adding value and information to a visit in an accessible and unpretentious manner. Orford retains one of Britain’s most complete and unusual keeps (and is all that is left of the original castle), Virtually all of it is accessible. including the basement, the lower and upper halls and the roof where there are magnificent views seaward to Orford Ness. Around the rooms is a maze of passages leading to the chapel, kitchen and other chambers in the turrets. A fine example of a 12th century castle and i believe the only castle built from scratch by Henry II.