Description: Access to the first floor is by way of the hall’s second staircase and although it would have been great to ascend by the fantastic "Great Staircase" I could fully understand the need to protect this masterpiece from thousands of tramping feet

Of course the Long Gallery is something else! It is believed to be the finest Long Gallery in the UK and we just stood at one end and infused the magnificence of the gallery’s architectural mastery. At the time of its construction Log Galleries were out of fashion but George Vernon "just fancied one" and with his money and influence who was likely to tell him that he was out of step with modern trends.

At the end of our entrance was a marvellous looking, extravagantly decorated chest. It is believed to be of Dutch origin and the helpful Trust guide suggested that it was more than likely a travelling altar. The chest’s appearance, with its religious paintings, small enclosed chamber (speculated to be for religious icons) and chunky handles, certainly pointed that way and I happily accepted this evocative explanation. As I looked out over the gardens I was reminded by one of the guides that this room’s single purpose was to provide an area for the ladies of the house and their guests to engage in social chit chat and exercise in a pleasant place whilst being protected from the external elements. A central niche provided a pleasant sitting area and the large windows flooded the room with natural light. Although decorative chandeliers, hanging from the most ornate of ceilings, would have fully illuminated the gallery after sunset and a large fireplace have ensured that no one "suffered a chill". What a truly Venetian feel this Long Gallery had.

Moving on from the Long gallery and leaving behind the image of women in their long flowing gowns we entered the upper library. Now this is everything a library should be! There’s limited lighting and an ornate spiral staircase in the corner leads to a narrow upper balcony. It had a real studious feel to it and I had no difficulty imagining the Vernon family poring over their learned tomes.

Leaving the library behind us we were at the top of what is said to be the finest Grand Staircase in England. We checked it out from the ground floor but from up here the view was even more spectacular. The balustrade was carved by Edward Pierce and the superb plasterwork dates back to the 17th century. There’s a magnificent classical painting inset into the ceiling and bowls of plaster fruit drip over the newel posts. It’s fully a work of art and we took some time just gazing at it.

Next we head for the Queen’s bedroom with its magnificent alabaster fireplace and four-poster bed. This was originally called the stair-head chamber but after Queen Adelaide, consort to William IV stayed here in 1840 it was renamed. A short narrow corridor leads from this room into a sitting room, known as the "Porch Room". This low ceilinged room has absolutely magnificent views across the estate.

Another short walk and we’re peering into the maid’s room immediately adjacent to the Lord’s bedroom. It’s here that the stark contrast between the gentry and the servant’s is most apparent with a basic room for the maid and the grandness of the Lord’s room with its curved fitted wardrobes and opulent furnishings. From inside one of the wardrobes we see the evidence of the "false windows" that were built into the design to give an external appearance of absolute symmetry. In this room the guide had a real passion for the Hall as she had been employed on the domestic staff before it was handed over to the Trust. She had enjoyed her life on the Hall’s workforce but was now thoroughly involved in sharing her knowledge with visitors to this fine building.
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