Inside Sizergh Castle

Earlier this month we visited Sizergh Castle and I blogged about the grounds over on View Too, my other blog.  I thought you might like a few pictures of the inside.

The coverlet on this bed is rather special. It was made locally by Belgian refugees from the 1st World War.  just look at that lace and marvel!

 This chair in the same room usually wears a cloth covering.  Occasionally the National Trust uncover some pieces so that we can appreciate their beauty.  The silk covering of this chair would have glowed in the firelight. The floor is stone tiled but the walls are fully panelled in wood. The room is centrally heated now but has a large fireplace.

Cosy in the corner, next to the fire.  Imagine the winter wind howling round the tower and the poor servant climbing all those stairs with your bedtime cocoa!

In the morning you would have been greeted by this lovely view.

Some of the family portraits . . . 

Isn't she lovely?

 I love to see them in the daylight but I can imagine that it would be rather creepy by candlelight as many of the pictures seem to look Straight At You! 

and wasn't he handsome! (I don't know if they were married to each other)

Sir Thomas Strickland (1566 - 1612)

General Henry Wynyard (1761 - 1838)

Is in the corridor on the top floor.  I don't know if he is related to the family but I thought he was rather a handsome chap.

This has been just a glimpse of what is inside Sizergh Castle.  There's more to see another time!

Washington in England? Oh yes!

Washington Old Hall

This is where George Washington's ancestors lived, just outside Newcastle-on-Tyne.  Yes, his family were Geordies! 

Imagine our surprise one damp, drizzly day on our way Up North to discover this National Trust Gem on our journey, just asking to be visited! This is going to be 'picture heavy' i'm afraid. You can click on the pictures to have a closer look, should you choose.

It was all rather lovely - glad you could join us! 

Inside Blickling Hall NT

Last week we were in North Norfolk and visited Blickling Hall again.  I showed pictures of the outside on View Too blog (link in sidebar) now lets venture inside . . .

the view outwards from the inner courtyard

The door-knocker . . .

There were many paintings but I really liked these two.

They think this might be Mary Queen of Scots

Mary Tudor 

King Charles II was entertained in this room . . .

. . . but we are definitely 'below stairs'!

We are upstairs now, looking down into the main entrance hall

Into the Long Gallery (Library) with its magnificent ceiling

Thankfully, we can sit on these sofas and take time to admire our surroundings

The State Bedroom

1930s style

The Marquis of Lothian  gave Blickling to the National Trust on his demise in 1940, here is his office.

A well-earned visit to the Tea Rooms!