BANQUETING HALL

Dating from the late 14th century, the Banqueting Hall was the principal dwelling room for the medieval manor and would have been home for between 40 and 50 people. The roof is of 20th century construction, all the timbers for which were cut from the Haddon or Belvoir estates.

Items of interest in the Banqueting Hall include an important 15th century tapestry, probably made for Henry VII showing the royal Tudor coat of arms; a fine example of High Table with step up to denote status; a Minstrel's Gallery; a manacle and lock for any guest 'who did not drink fayre' was liable to have his hand manacled and the remainder of his drink poured down his sleeve; and antlers dating from the time of Charles II.