Let’s cast our minds back a week or two, to before the last of the Autumn leaves fell and a visit of mine to a real hidden gem of Lancashire, Samlesbury Hall between Preston and Blackburn.

Samlesbury Hall

Dating as far back at the 15th Century, this magnificent hall is fantastic to explore at any time of year. At just £3 admission, it’s very reasonably priced compared to many other stately homes.

Magnificent windows

What caught my eye after the striking black & white Tudor exterior walls, was the magnificent leaded windows.

Taking a closer look.

Taking a closer look at some of the windows reveals original glass, complete with interesting flaws and distortions. Many of the windows are decorated with heraldic royal and family crests and the striking colours were a joy to photograph.

Crucifix in the ‘priest’s secret room.

In Elizabethan England Catholic priests were persecuted and many took to hiding in ‘priest holes‘. Samlesbury Hall had such a concealed room. Unfortunately one priest there was discovered and executed giving the hall a dark history. I wanted to represent that in a photo and a silhouette of a crucifix in a window seemed to fit the bill.

Antique furniture

In the same room, my eye was drawn to this old chair dated 1622. I love the simple swirls on the back, which showed up well in daylight from the window.

Ancient carving.

Thomas Southworth was the controversial owner of the hall in the 16th Century. His name was inscibed high up on a wall and needed the zoom and again good window light and a firm surface/tripod to photograph.

Now that’s what I call a fire surround!

One of the most dramatic sight’s for me, was the enormous and lavishly decorated fireplace in the parlour, built in the 1530s, which quite takes your breath away.

The Great Hall

My favourite room was undoubtedly the Great Hall with enormous dining table, chandelier, huge fireplace and beautiful windows. A must for any photographer and the perfect place for a grand wedding banquet! http://www.samlesburyhall.co.uk/

 

More Photographer’s Ramblings coming soon. In the meantime, a very Merry Christmas to all and don’t forget to keep your camera handy!