The lower courtyard shows the evolution of the building history of Haddon Hall. The use of local grey limestone and paler "gritstone" adds a unity to several different architectural styles - different wings added at different times have been constructed, it would appear, with little planning.
From this courtyard, we can see the 15th Century octagonal bell tower adjacent to the entrance to the Chapel and constructed by Sir William Vernon; to the left the 15th Century Earls Apartments at the top of the steps; and the 14th century Banqueting Hall, porch and herb garden. There is access also to the museum, chapel, and the central core of the medieval house. Gargoyles adorn the walls and ward off evil spirits; and decorative lead drainpipes around the courtyard depict the boar's head of the Vernon family and the peacock of the Manners family.
