English Stately Homes and Castles - North
Bamburgh Castle - Part 2
Lord Crewe Entrance Hall, Great Hall and Cross Hall
The KING’S or GREAT HALL, must be the highlight of the state apartments with its glorious hammer beam roof with elaborate carving and hanging bosses.
The roof is made of Siamese teak and was a gift from the King of Siam, a good friend of Armstrong, who had supplied him with munitions. Along the back wall is a minstrel’s gallery part of the Armstrong restoration. Above is a lovely round stained glass window with the armorials of all the different families associated with the castle.
The base of the walls are panelled in teak. Above are pictures, pikes, spears and halberts. The only natural light is from windows on the wall overlooking the inner ward. Down the centre of the room are display cases with small arms. A bureau bookcase has a display of fans and small Chinese or Japanese figurines.
There is a suit of armour, grandfather clock and an ormolu clock.
At the end of the room three steps lead up into the CROSS HALL. This is lit by large windows and furnished as a sitting area with leather settees, grand piano, round table and chairs and globes. On a long table is a display of silver and china.
The monumental fireplace has a carved wood surround with carved stones flanking an oil painting. On either side are tapestries.
