Moseley Old Hall
Moseley Old Hall is an Elizabethan farmhouse belonging to the National Trust. It is located north of Wolverhampton, in the United Kingdom. It is famous for having been one of the resting places of Charles II of England, when he escaped to France, following defeat in the Battle of Worcester.
Elizabethan architecture is the English correspondent of Renaissance architecture. However, the appearance of Moseley Hall is rather simple, with its original timberwork clad with red and black brick walls, its gabled chimneys, its path of stones.
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Built in 1600, the three-story Moseley Hall was the home of the Catholic and Royalist family Whitgreave, who has sheltered the king during his escape. They gave him dry clothes, food, a place to sleep and hid him in the priest-hole, under a trapdoor in the cupboard beside the fireplace, while planning his escape.
The building houses delightful period furniture as a result of several donations, but also the original four-posted bed in which the king was accommodated, in the King's room. Also, the Dressing Room features an informative exhibition of books and miscellaneous items regarding the King's escape.
There is public access to most of the house, where the visitor can acquire a sense of history by studying the portraits and the books, but also admire the prominence of heavy timbers and dark wood paneling, pieces of oak furniture. An oratory with an18th century painted barrel ceiling and the brighter attic rooms, one of which offers a lovely view to the Knot garden, are also available to visitors. The beautiful, elaborate Knot Garden shows a variety of plants in an impressive geometric design, specific for the 17th century
Apart from the guided tour of the historic house, events are organized for visitors throughout the year, including recreations of 17th century life, as well as family events, children's activities and food tastings. In the tea-room, one can enjoy delicious light lunches and homemade cakes and there is a shop providing gifts and plants, as well as a second-hand book shop.