Kirby Hall - Deene

Another change to the original plans involved visiting another one of the english Heritage sites in the area, Kirby Hall. This site is a little way of Rutland in Northamptonshire in a place called Deene which is near the industrial town of Corby.

Kirby Hall was one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th century houses and it design was based on the designs in French architectural pattern books and expanded in the classical style. Although now partly ruined, with many parts roof-less, you can still make out its former beauty. The Great Hall and state rooms are still intact and these have been redecorated to give them authentic 17th and 18th century look, while the gardens with their elaborate ‘cutwork’ have also recently been recently restored. The building is currently owned by The Earl of Winchilsea, and managed by English Heritage.

It is well worth the entry money to get in and if the weather is fine take a picnic with you, there are picnic benches in the garden, but try and avoid race days at the nearby Rockingham Speedway as the noise can be quiet intrusive to what would be a very tranquil location.