Inside abandoned mansion frozen in time since 1087 with rooms still made up for guests

At Haddon Hall, time seems to have come to a halt. In the heart of the countryside, hidden behind ivy-covered walls, lies a grand manor frozen in time. The story of this 11th-century English manor house, which stood dormant for years before being revived, is one of mystery, history, and incredible preservation.

Located on the River Wye near Bakewell in Derbyshire, Haddon Hall is the former home of the Dukes of Rutland, and it is currently the home of Lord Edward Manners, brother to the Duke, and his family- the first family to live there permanently since the 17th century. The manor has many rooms, which include various chambers, the Great Hall, a banqueting hall, kitchens, parlors, and the St Nicholas Chapel.

Originally built in the 11th century, Haddon Hall was the seat of the Dukes of Rutland for several centuries but after the first Duke of Rutland moved the family to Belvoir Castle in the early 18th century, the manor was largely abandoned.

For many years, it remained almost untouched, preserving much of its original medieval and Tudor architecture, including its 16th-century features.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Haddon Hall attracted attention due to its historical significance, but it was in a state of disrepair.

After , the Ninth Duke of Rutland began a careful restoration, which included the discovery of 15th-century wall paintings in the chapel and the introduction of modern amenities like electricity and running water—all while preserving the house’s historic fabric.

Working closely with restoration architect Harold Brakspear, the Duke ensured that the hall’s architecture, including its frescoes, gardens, and structural integrity, was carefully preserved and this restoration work continued for decades.

In 2016, the current Lord Edward Manners, the brother of the 11th Duke, and his family decided to move back to the hall, marking the return of the Manners family to Haddon Hall after nearly 300 years.

Since then, it has been both a family residence and a popular tourist attraction and the hall continues to be carefully maintained and is still in the Manners family’s ownership, allowing it to retain its historical charm while also being a living part of the family’s heritage.

Even as the house was maintained through the generations, it escaped the typical remodelling of the time, leaving its interiors in their original medieval form.

Rooms like the Banqueting Hall still boast a table from the 14th century, while the tapestry behind it was a gift from Henry VIII. In the Long Gallery, the windows still have the same glass as when it was first built.

Many of the rooms are accessed via outdoor passages or through other rooms, which reflects the blend of medieval and Tudor design, with various sections that were also added to the mansion over the centuries.

This mansion, now no longer abandoned, stands as a testament to the passage of time and the incredible resilience of historic buildings.

Haddon Hall has been used as a filming location for world famous films such as The Princess Bride, Jane Eyre, and even Pride and Prejudice.