Our final post for this month features images from our visit to Harvington Hall, Harvington, Kidderminster, Shropshire, England.
(Shot raw and processed using: DxO PL E/ ViewPoint, Adobe LrC/ PS with Tony Kuyper Panels and Topaz Labs Studio. Compilations feature Karen - R7 and Phil - R5 II).
You can find out more about Harvington Hall by clicking
Here. (Under the ‘Visit Us’ tab you will find an excellent Virtual Tour!
).
Phil and Karen
1. With evidence of Bronze Age habitation, the moat was quarried c1270 and surrounded a medieval hall (this now forms the centre part of the current hall). Harvington was home to Adam de Herywnton until his death in 1344 when it passed to the Earls of Warwick.
2. In 1529 it was sold to a wealthy lawyer, Sir John Pakington (whose importance was such that he was granted permission by King Henry VIII to wear his hat in the presence of the King). Note the kitchen has a well fed by water filter from the moat - and a concealed priest hole (above the bread oven).
3. In 1578 Sir John’s great-nephew, Humphrey Pakington inherited the estate and an Elizabethan Manor was created. (Though the current structure is only half the size, with two wings being demolished c1700). The hall shown here was used by the family to dine and relax, but also contained a concealed priest hole.
4. Being Catholic, Humphrey was subject to the harsh penal laws of the Elizabethan age. From 1585 it was illegal for a Catholic Priest to even step foot in England, making it necessary for Humphrey to equip Harvington with seven ingenious priest holes and hiding places for various Catholic religious artefacts.
5. Following the marriage of the then owner, Mary Yale, to Sir Robert Throckmorton (of Coughton Court) most of the furnishings were stripped during the 19th and early 20th century leaving Harvington bare. Note the coats of arms which, for marriages, conform to the concept that ‘the woman is always right’...
6. In 1923, the new owner, Mrs Ellen Ryan Ferris, gifted Harvington to the Archdiocese of Birmingham, who still own and manage it today. Conservation work continues to uncover and preserve its many secrets.
(Source: Harvington Hall).
