Spent yesterday, in the late-melting snows of March, walking around the grounds of
Gibside Hall. Despite the beautiful setting above the River Derwent, with long, sweeping coach drives and deep forests, the whiff of decay hangs indelibly - but in a quite tranquil way - in the air.
Gibside was originally the estate of 18th century coal owner George Bowes. The buildings scattered across his landscaped grounds include an orangery, chapel, the house and, as seen in this photo, a grand banqueting hall set above this tranquil lake. But today, the house is a brown shell, whilst the information boards scattered about - written in the voices of the past inhabitants - recall the grand days of entertainment and luxury from which all this place (with the exception of the chapel, which is used for weddings) has fallen.
Labels: George Bowes, Gibside, Photography and Art
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