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History
Just after the Norman conquest the Clifton
family lived at what is now the Grade I listed
building, Clifton Hall, which is recorded in the
Doomsday book. The Hall stands on the summit of
a cliff on the edge of Clifton Village over
looking the woodland of Clifton Grove and the
meandering River Trent.
Its initial positioning was probably for defence
although after generations of modifications and
extensions, the original watch tower
fortification has been adapted to a stately home
and residence. The architect John Carr known for
his work on Harewood House, Colwick Hall and the
Newark and Chesterfield Town Halls spent two
years extending and modifying the hall until
1780.
King Charles I stayed briefly at Clifton Hall in
1632 as a guest of the 1st Baronet of Clifton,
Sir Gervase Clifton. King Charles occupied a
bedroom at the top of the circular staircase
that runs up the east wing of the house. During
his visit the King played bowls with the Baronet
on the beautiful grounds.
The Page’s Hall
So called because this was traditionally where
the pages awaited a summons from the adjacent
Great Chamber. It contains some fine decorative
details from the first half of the 17th Century
and a fine Jacobean doorway.
The State bedchamber (King Charles I room)
Situated on the southwest corner of the wing,
this room was used by Charles the I when he
stayed at Clifton Hall in 1632. The Ceiling
contains the monogram of Sir William Clifton
surrounded by Salubrious garlands of flowers,
fruit and foliage reflective of the style and
spirit of the period.
The Octagon Hall
Probably the most spectacular of the rooms at
Clifton Hall, it was constructed in the well of
the former watchtower hence the shape. Finely
proportioned with a resplendent domed ceiling,
niches around the room contain plasterwork
friezes of the Roman gods Diana, Neptune,
Bacchus and Apollo. |
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