The First Floor

The Ballroom
In early times this may have been a solar (a place for enjoyment, near the sun) or private first floor chamber for the owner of the house. Fine wall paintings are of national importance because of their quality and rarity.

Nevill Room
Today the room has a strong late Victorian character and is dominated by a large oak fireplace. Hidden behind a hinged panel is an ancient doorway filled with wattle and daub.

The Plaster Room
The room takes its name from the original flooring which would have been plaster.  This room houses the pedigree roll.

The Paradise Room
Known as the Paradise room for two reasons.  Firstly during the Middle Ages, 'Paradise' was the name given to a favourite room or bedchamber.  Secondly, Adams and Eve's fall from Paradise was taken as the theme for the original bed hangings.

Stories of secret passages and ghosts have always been associated with this room.

The Withdrawing Room
So called because one would 'withdraw' there to find privacy for receiving guests. This room was remodelled in the 16th Century by the Davenports.  The spectacular plaster ceiling was installed at the time of the remodelling.

The Davenport Bedroom
This room was altered considerably during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century.