The House That Time Forgot: Exploring Haddon Hall

Note: This is a show notes page accompanying my on-location podcast, recorded in spring 2025.

An Introduction to Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall, located in Derbyshire’s beautiful Peak District, is one of England’s most remarkable and best-preserved medieval manor houses. Its story begins over 900 years ago when it was held by William Peverel, son of William the Conqueror. In the late twelfth century, Richard de Vernon, Peverel’s son-in-law, began building what would become the core of the current house, making Haddon Hall one of the oldest continually inhabited houses in England.

The estate remained in the Vernon family for several centuries. Significant expansion and development occurred under Sir Richard Vernon in the fifteenth century, shaping much of the house as it appears today. After being transferred to the Manners family, Haddon remains under their care today. Following the seventeenth century, Haddon Hall was largely abandoned when the Manners family moved their primary residence to Belvoir Castle. Remarkably, because it was left untouched for nearly 200 years, Haddon escaped the architectural and decorative changes of later periods. This long slumber preserved its Tudor architecture and interiors, making it an extraordinary time capsule.

I’m joined by Margie Burnit, Duty Warden and Archivist at Haddon Hall. Join us as we explore this exquisite building. Below is a gallery of accompanying images taken during my on-location visit. You can listen to the podcast episode here or by clicking the button below:

Haddon Hall Image Gallery

Exterior of Haddon Hall
Image © The Tudor Travel Guide

Sarah and Margie outside Haddon Hall
Image © The Tudor Travel Guide

The Chapel St John Nicholas, Haddon Hall, is still adorned with its fifteenth-century frescoes
Images © The Tudor Travel Guide

The Great Hall
Images © The Tudor Travel Guide

The kitchens at Haddon Hall
Images © The Tudor Travel Guide

The Parlour
Images © The Tudor Travel Guide

The Long Gallery – measuring 110ft, designed by Robert Smythson and often referred to as the most beautiful room in England.
Image © The Tudor Travel Guide

Useful Links

Visiting information for Haddon Hall is here. I recommend watching the video of Haddon here.

Issue 13 of Tudor Places includes an article on Haddon Hall – click here for more information.

If you have a few days, check out my Long Weekend in Derbyshire & South Yorkshire itinerary, which might be useful.