Hall together for a Victorian Christmas

Over the past two weekends, Kiplin Hall, near Richmond, has been pulling in the crowds with its lavish festive displays as part of its Victorian Christmas event.

The house has been decorated from top to bottom by the Friends of Kiplin Hall and community groups with fresh greenery, flowers and eight Christmas trees.

And for the first time the hall’s dining room has opened its doors to the public – with the table set for a traditional festive feast.

Marcia McLuckie, administrator at Kiplin Hall, said: “We were very busy last week and this weekend. Visitors to the hall have greatly enjoyed the displays and those who have visited Kiplin before say that this year’s decorations are the best they have seen. The Christmas decorations are beautiful, and the dining room, which has not been open before at Christmas, has been a particular success.”

Visitors have also enjoyed sampling Victorian food and browsing costume displays, as well as listening to talks from exhibitors about Christmas in Victorian times, the origins of seasonal traditions and how they have evolved over the years.

On both Sundays the Northallerton Hand Bell Ringers entertained guests in the impressive library and children took part in a trail, which saw them hunt for mice which had invaded the hall.

A nativity scene beneath a Christmas tree was admired in the Long Gallery and visitors were also able to observe a Victorian schoolgirl at her lessons.

A Christmas Gift Fair ran alongside the event, with local crafts people and traders offering festive foods, crafts and original artwork.

George Calvert, Secretary of State to King James I, built Kiplin Hall in the early 1620s as a hunting lodge. Many of the rooms have now been restored and are open to the public.