DENBY OLD HALL AND ITS OWNERS. 



literal stumbling-block to the junior members of the family. 

 The roof appears to be the original structure ; it is carried by 

 two massive oak trusses, and is covered with stone slates 

 (technically known as grey slates), though repaired in places 

 with tiles. The stone walls appear to have stopped at the 

 eaves level all round, and the gables to have been of timber 

 framing and plaster; but this has, with the exception of the 

 great rafters, been removed and replaced with brickwork, as 

 is clearly shown in the view of the front of the hall. 



Several of the rooms contain the original fireplaces, which 

 are of very plain character, with boldly-moulded stone jambs 

 and lintels. A good deal of plain oak 

 panelling still remains in the house in 

 a more or less mutilated condition, 

 and in the bedroom over the hall 

 there is some of good design and 

 rather elaborate workmanship. This is 

 obviously not in its original position, 

 and appears to be of later date. It may, 

 with some degree of probability, be in- 

 ferred that it was removed from the newer 

 portion of the hall, as will be presently 

 suggested. The front door (see sketch), 

 which is probably coeval with the house, 

 is formed of two thicknesses of oak 

 boards strongly nailed together, and with mouldings planted on 

 the face. 



Probably the last to occupy this house as keeper of the 

 park was Nicholas Ottiwell, whose sons were called as witnesses 

 in the action previously mentioned. The following item of 

 evidence is so quaintly given as to be worth quoting : " The 

 deponent's father was keeper of Denby Parke in Patrick Lowe's 

 tyme. Patrick charged him to have a care what hee did in 

 Salterwood for if hee did any hurt hee would not beare him 

 out, for hee heard his father say it was not within his Charter." 



About a century after the building of the Elizabethan 



IME OUTE^. DOO\ . 



