Morning Room
What is a Morning Room?
A Morning Room is usually where the lady of the house would work, making use of the good daylight to sew or write letters. It might also be used for informal family meals and pastimes.
What else was this room used for?
From the 1800s, this room was used as the estate office. People who lived on or farmed land belonging to the Hall’s owners came here to pay their rent.
How old is this room?
The room began as part of the Great Hall within the original Tudor building of the 1580s. It was separated off in the 1660s when the panelling was installed and plaster ceiling created. Most of the furniture in here dates from the 1600 and 1700s.
Overmantle figure
Over the fireplace
The carved figure on the left of the overmantle is thought to represent the story of Judith. She was a beautiful, young widow whose town was being attacked by the Assyrian army led by General Holofernes. Judith got the General drunk then cut his head off, so saving her town.
Metal Safe
Right side of fireplace
The safe would have been installed in the 1800s when this room was used as an office where tenants came to pay their rents. Ledgers would have been stored in it detailing what everybody paid. There is another small safe near the front windows. The cloakroom opposite was the waiting room.
All images courtesy of Julie Horner Kurcharski
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