December 7: Little Moreton Hall

Today’s Advent treat is from Philippa Brewell from British History Tours. Philippa is sharing some lovely photos she took when she visited Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire.

Over to Philippa...

This charming time capsule of Tudor life appears to pay no heed to the laws of physics as it stands top heavy with a beguiling lean. It is one of the most beautiful places I have had the privilege to visit and photograph. Its black and white visage isn’t quite accurate however. The oak timbers would have faded to a silver colour and it is probably in Victorian times that the timbers were tarred black in the belief it would help preserve them. The white lime wash between timbers would, in Tudor times, have been more of a cream colour due to impurities in it.

Inside, the Hall delivers even more treats, and I’ve chosen a couple to share with you. The long gallery, teetering at the top of the house, would once have been used to exercise and play games. An early 17th century tennis ball, found here in 1977, gives testimony to this fact.

In the Little Parlour is an amazing frieze which dates back to the late 16th century. A frieze is a painting on wet plaster which then dries. The one here depicts scenes from the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders, and the inscriptions either side are in English.

Little Moreton Hall is a true Tudor treasure!