Halsway Manor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Halsway Manor |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Halsway |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°07′57″N 3°14′43″W / 51.1326°N 3.2454°W |
| Completed | 15th century |
Halsway Manor is an old and interesting house in Halsway, Somerset, England. It's also sometimes called Halsway Court. Today, it's owned by the Halsway Manor Society. They run it as a special place for learning about and enjoying folk arts. It's the only place in the whole UK where you can stay and learn about folk music and other traditional arts! You can find it near the A358 road, close to the beautiful Quantock Hills.
History of Halsway Manor
Halsway Manor has a very long history. It was first mentioned way back in 1086 in the Domesday Book. This book was a huge survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror. The eastern part of the building is very old, built in the 1400s. The western part was added much later, in the 1800s.
Some people believe that Cardinal Beaufort, a powerful church leader, built the manor as a hunting lodge. A famous rebel named Jack Cade even lived there for a while! For many years, it was a family home. But in the mid-1960s, it became the folk music centre we know today. Because of its history and special design, English Heritage has given it a Grade II* listed building status. This means it's a very important historic building.
What the Manor Looks Like
The manor house has some amazing rooms. There's a big ballroom, a quiet library, and a cozy lounge bar. The main entrance hall is very impressive. It has beautiful oak wood panels on the walls and a grand staircase. There's also a large fireplace and a special curved ceiling that looks like the inside of a barrel. The old stables, called the mews, are now used as places for people to stay.
In 1859, a writer named John Henry Parker described the manor. He noted its strong front, with a cool battle-like top edge and fancy panels. He also mentioned its unique gargoyles and a bell-cot. He said the front of the house was long and low, with three doorways.
Halsway Folk Centre
The Halsway Manor Society Ltd became a charity in 1966. Their main goal is to help people get involved in folk arts. This includes traditional folk music, dance, singing, storytelling, and other related crafts. They offer many activities all year round. You can join residential courses, classes, and special events. People of all ages and skill levels come from all over the country and even from other countries to learn here.
Local people can also get involved. The centre hosts regular dance and music clubs. They also put on concerts, an annual festival, a fete (a type of outdoor fair), and craft fairs. It's a lively place where old traditions are kept alive and shared with new generations.
