Hartshorne Upper Hall
10 Main Street, Hartshorne, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 7ES
This handsome Grade II* house, one of only four remaining timber-framed manor houses in southern Derbyshire, was built in the 1620s for John Benskin, a prosperous yeoman who evidently intended to maintain a style of life well above the average. The house is large and would allow for a large household with plenty of servants and for gracious living at a high standard. Not only does this fine house survive virtually undamaged, but it allows us to understand something of the Benskin family’s way of life and standard of living in the early 17th century.
- Jettied, with extensive herringbone work
- Interior with much excellent timber, including intact close-studded internal partition walls
- Original front door and 17th century ‘graffiti’ in porch
- Cellar with salting trough
- Historic stable and early 20th century wash-house
- Gardens including period plants labelled with historic uses
- Tudor/Stuart era toys and games to try out
- Costumed guides and demonstrators
- Costumed lutenist
Join us and sit by the blazing fire before your candlelit tour of the whole of this fascinating house.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- Doors open 1330. Tours from 1400, as required, until 1700.
Location & directions
10 Main Street, Hartshorne, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 7ES
- Directions:
- Hartshorne Upper Hall is on Main Street (A514), on the sharp bend near the Bull’s Head. Please park in the village/church car park opposite the Bull’s Head and walk 150 yards to the steps up to the front door.
- Contact on day:
- Catherine Rogers
- Telephone number:
- +441283222797
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- This event is always oversubscribed so early booking is advised. For security reasons, only pre-booked parties will be admitted.
- Booking contact name:
- Catherine Rogers
- Booking telephone number:
- +441283222797
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking opens:
- 26 Aug 2024 09:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 13 Sep 2024 05:00 PM
Accessibility details
We welcome everyone regardless of mobility or disability. However, the house is on four levels and thus has many stairs, although those between the ground and first floor are relatively wide and shallow. Wide doorways downstairs enable most of the ground floor to be seen from a wheelchair. Slideshow of rest of house available. People with restricted mobility are welcome to park on the drive and enter by the back door, avoiding steps. (Please ring the doorbell as this door will be locked.)
Additional information
Hazards on this site include uneven steps and floors, thresholds between rooms, low doorways, low light levels and naked flames. The garden and outbuildings can be visited before or after your house tour. St Peter’s Church, next door, is also open on the same day, including tours of the bell tower and clock. There is no need to book for this so you can go before or after your visit here.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 6
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 55 minute(s)
