I have been to... Kedleston Hall

We had a quick trip out to Derbyshire recently, and went to visit Kedleston Hall just north of Derby. The weather was appalling on the way down, but the rain was forecast to leave off later, and it dried up just as we got there.

I was astonished how large the hall was, this is about one fifth of the frontage. The Curzons had obviously been able to accumulate a lot of loot since the Norman Conquest, despite only being Barons. It looks grander than Chatsworth, which belongs to a Duke.

Here is one of the Curzons while Viceroy of India.

The interior wasn't in the slightest way completely over the top. Trying to compensate for something here I think.

Only part of the main house was open, with various rooms and a small museum on the ground floor,

I loved this hall, modelled on the Pantheon in Rome.

A spot of loot the Viceroy acquired on his travels, this rather super ivory chess set.

The family heraldic tree.

There is a fabulous church next the main house. The Church dates from the 12th century, but not much of the Norman original survives as it was extensively rebuilt in the 13th century.

I did very much like this doorway ringed with stylised dogs heads.

This grave slab dates from around 1200. It reminded of Viking burial slabs. 

The resting  of Sir John Curzon, who died around 1450. A proper medieval knight, and a lovely tomb.

We came across this bizarre structure in the grounds while walking around. Hagrids Hut?

The estate is still being restored by the National Trust, but recommended for a visit, although ideally in warm sunshine rather than cool drizzle.