Hezlett House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hezlett House |
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| Alternative names | Liffock House |
| General information | |
| Town or city | Castlerock |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Coordinates | 55°09′18″N 6°47′24″W / 55.155°N 6.7899°W |
| Completed | 1691 |
| Owner | National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty |
Hezlett House is a very old and special house found in Castlerock, County Londonderry, in Northern Ireland. It was built around the year 1691. This makes it one of the oldest buildings in Ulster that people still use today. It's a type of house called a thatched cottage, which means its roof is made from straw or reeds.
This historic cottage sits right at a crossroads near the village. It was first used as a rectory (a home for a church leader) or a farmhouse (a home on a farm). Today, it is owned by the National Trust. They help protect important places like Hezlett House.
Contents
What is a Thatched Cottage?
A thatched cottage is a traditional type of house. Its roof is covered with layers of dry vegetation. This could be straw, reeds, or even heather. This method of roofing has been used for thousands of years. It helps keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Thatching is the skill of making these roofs.
- It needs special training and lots of practice.
- Hezlett House shows a great example of this old building style.
The Unique Cruck Structure
Hezlett House is special because of its "cruck structure." This is a very old way of building. Imagine huge, curved wooden beams. These beams look a bit like upside-down V-shapes. They go from the ground all the way up to the roof.
- These large wooden frames support the entire building.
- They are like the main bones of the house.
- This building method was common a long time ago.
- It shows how people built strong homes before modern materials.
A Glimpse into the Past
Hezlett House gives us a peek into what life was like hundreds of years ago. When it was built in 1691, many things were different. There was no electricity or running water. People lived much simpler lives.
- The house would have been lit by candles or oil lamps.
- Cooking was done over an open fire.
- It helps us understand history in a real way.
Who Lived There?
Over the centuries, different families lived in Hezlett House. It started as a home for a church leader or a farmer. This means it was an important building in the local community.
- It was a place where families grew up.
- They worked the land or served the church.
- The house has seen many generations pass through its doors.
Visiting Hezlett House Today
Today, Hezlett House is open to visitors. The National Trust looks after it very well. When you visit, you can see how people lived long ago. It's like stepping back in time.
- You can explore the rooms.
- You can learn about its history.
- It's a great place to learn about old building methods.
See also
- Downhill Estate
