Story Search Results

Whodunit in the Library #24

...wards the church – on I went through the churchyard, the drops of blood racing ahead of me, until I reached the vicarage across the road. The vicar answered my knock and told me that my dad had collapsed on his doorstep earlier that day and was now in the local cottage hospital! The 'weapon' which was covered in blood   So now it had come to this. I later found out that my dad had gone into the Library to rip up and sabotage the mediaeval banquet costumes and my mum had found him there – an argument had ensued which became violent. My dad had an awful temper and would sometimes attack my mum during these rows (I once found him in the kitchen with his...

Moving Out #32

..., and the church in the grounds that are featured in my blogs!If you've enjoyed reading my stories why not get a copy of my book, 'My Dad Bought a Mansion' as it goes into a lot more detail of my life at the hall and also includes over 100 original photographs!And, with Christmas just around the corner, it might also be the perfect present for any book lovers you know! Go check it out here and let me know what you think!   ...

The War Years and Beyond #36

...During the Second World War, life in country houses changed dramatically. It was no different at Hoar Cross Hall. The flower borders on the main lawns were turfed over to reduce maintenance and vegetables were grown in areas formerly restricted to flowers. Evacuees from Birmingham came to stay for the duration of the war and they lived in the basement, as it was considered to be the safest place. I imagine that they must have been in the care of the servants as they were living amongst them but it must also have been quite exciting for them to move from a bombed out city to the relative safety of the countryside, although they must have missed their parents of c...

Skools out for Summer! #58

...er to the church in them. People must have thought they were seeing ghosts! Library with secret door (far left corner)   Another time we decided to play tricks on the visitors by using the secret door in the Library. There were two secret doors, one which was always open and used by the visitors to wend their way around the house and the other was on the opposite side of the room and always closed. The doors, when closed, looked like part of the bookshelves and had a little brass catch on the ledge which you pressed to open them. One day I stood in the Library near the door and smiled at some visitors so they saw me standing there. When they turned to lo...

Rags to Riches #63

...My family originated from Derby and my parents were married there in July 1952.  Mum was 19 and dad was 36 so quite a bit older.  They both lived in Derby and were very arty; my dad went to the Derby Sketching Club in his free time and my mum attended art college.  I’m not sure where they met but it was either at something art related or at a dance, as was usual in those days.  My dad was a sculptor by trade; I think his interest was sparked by seeing all the beautiful alabaster in Italian churches during the war. My parents on their wedding day - 1952   After the Second World War he set up his own business making alabaster lamps, bowls and candles...

Skools out for Summer #98

...er to the church.  People must have thought they were seeing ghosts! Can you spot the secret door in the Library?   Another time we decided to play tricks on the visitors by using the secret door in the Library. There were two secret doors, one which was always open and used by the visitors to wend their way around the house and the other was on the opposite side of the room and always closed.  The doors, when closed, looked like part of the bookshelves and had a little brass catch on the ledge which you pressed to open them.  One day I stood in the Library near the door and smiled at some visitors so they saw me standing there.  When they turned to...