I have been visiting Levens Hall for over forty years. However, that is a mere tick of the clock in time, compared to the venerable age of this lovely old Hall set in the north western corner of England. The pele tower (a defensive tower, built usually against attacks by the Scots) was built in 1350 by the Redman family, but I am sure that I have read somewhere that there was a building on the site back in the 1100s. However, much of the wonderful building that you can visit today dates back to Tudor times, and wow, what an example of a Tudor / Stuart interior it is.
Unfortunately, photography is not permitted in the house so you'll just have to take my word for it. The old wood carving on several of the fireplaces is so detailed and ornate, that you could just spend the day studying them. Add to this carved doorways, oak panelling (diaper pattern mainly), Italian plastered ceilings and fabulous turned furniture, and you realise what an under-sung historic house this is. Oh, and I forgot to mention the Leather Wall Panels which were probably made in Spain during the 17th Century. These are important works on a global scale, as there are only eight collections worldwide. Of the thirteen patterns known, five are exclusive to Leven's Hall, and it is said that the Levens Hall panels are in some of the best condition known to the experts.
Added to this, there is an interesting collection of memorabilia associated with the Duke of Wellington. Apparently one of the Bagot family (their descendents are the current owners of Levens Hall) married his favourite niece. So here you can find one of Wellington's camp beds, some fantastic porcelain ordered by Napoleon for his Mum, various miniatures, letters and curios.
There is also a fantastically preserved costume worn by a page to George IVs eye-wateringly expensive coronation in 1821, plus some of the correspondence relating to his funeral. Though, not a huge collection of Regency / George IV stuff, it is of interest to afficionado's of the period, such as myself.
But of course, what Levens Hall is really famous for are it's topiary gardens, which are believed to be the oldest in the world. Commissioned by Colonel James Grahme (Keeper of the Privy Purse to King James II) in 1694, and designed by Guillaume Beaumont, they are something to behold at any time of year. They are also quite atmospheric, as, despite the many visitors (though it rarely feels busy) there is an age-old serenity to the place. Beautifully maintained, they provide examples of the classic shapes of topiary, such as the pyramid, the spiral and the box, with shaped hedging, walks and vistas to keep the interest of the visitor.
As a writer of historical novels, the croquet lawn fires my imagination. Whilst modern white sports gear is de rigeur these days, I can't help imagining quite a different scene. Imagine ladies in Crinolines, or perhaps 18th Century panniered skirts. The gentlemen would be exquisitely turned out by their valets in beautifully tailored superfine jackets, immaculateley tied cravats over snowy white shirts, pantaloons/breeches and impossibly glossy Hessian boots And it is quite probable that these indeed were scenes at this venerable old house. I'm sure that mental picture will work itself into one of my stories one day.
Once you have sated your cultural and horticultural appetites, you can then repair to the Levens Kitchen, for some delicious refreshment. This tends to be fairly modern fare, though I am glad to say that there are still some classics on the menu. The scones are delicious. And just as a reminder of where you are - your cappuccino will be chocolate dusted with a topiary cut out - classy!
If you are in the South Cumbria/ North Lancashire area, add Levens Hall to your 'must visit' list. You'll be glad that you did. For further info click here.