Further Afield

Belvoir Castle - Leicestershire

 After climbing the steep hill (vehicle access for the disabled) the entrance is warm and inviting with circles of swords bearing the Duke of Wellington's head embossed in the centre.

Upstairs the State Rooms are magnificent.

 This Dining Room will seat 30, with the table and chairs made by Gillow in the Regency period.  Above the fireplaces are portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds

 
The Elizabeth Saloon is impossible to photograph adequately - with its stunning Matthew Wyatt ceiling and   decorated in the style of Louis XIV of France.

Chandeliers are a big feature at Belvoir and can be seen in most of the State Rooms,

 
but nowhere more strikingly than in the Regent's Gallery, which stretches some 131 feet, the length enhance by a mirror placed on the end wall.

Here stand a pair of Regency globes on grained stands.

No Stately Home would be complete without a Library

or a Chapel.  This is where the present Duke married, and is still in use.  The picture over the altar is The Holy Family' by 17th century Murillo.

The 4th Duke of Rutland was a great collector of paintings, which are displayed in the top-lit Picture Gallery. Here hangs the famous picture of Henry VIII by Holbein, and there are also paintings by Gainsborough, Poussin and Dame Laura Knight.

Downstairs are kitchens, beer cellars and this pantry.

The 11th Duke of Rutland is head of the Manner Family, and their Derbyshire seat is Haddon Hall, which is occupied by his younger brother.  To see images of this fine Medieval and Tudor Manor House click here

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