HALL AS HOSTEL

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 February 1934, Page 3

HALL AS HOSTEL

GEM FOR HIKERS. LONDON, January 1. Another of Derbyshire’s historic old mansions, Hartington Hall, near Beresford Dale, is to become a Youth Hostel, and probably the finest in the country. It has been acquired by the North Midlands Regional Council of the Youth Hostels Association, and will complete the chain of hostels, for which purpose Derwent Hall, near Ashopton, once the property of the Duke of Norfolk, and Overton Hall, Ashover, the home of the scientist, Sir Joseph Banks, have already been secured.

Hartington Hall is one of the most picturesque old halls in the county. Part of it dates from the fourteenth century, though the remainder was rebuilt in 1611. For centuries it was the home of the Bateman family, and it contains some magnificent wood carvings and wrought metal work. Bonnie Prince Charlie is reputed to have lodged there during his disastrous retreat from Derby in 1745. Accommodation will be provided for seventy ramblers for 1/- a night, and it is intended to make the Hall a show place of particular interest to ramblers from the Continent.