Picture House – Film, Art and Design at Belsay

Belsay has something for everyone. A fine medieval castle, enlarged into a mansion in the 17th century; the imposing Greek Revival villa which was built later; and the outstanding, plant-rich gardens linking the two buildings.

The whole ensemble is the creation of the Middleton family, over more than seven centuries. First came the castle, still dominated by its massive 14th century 'peel tower', one of the best surviving examples in England. Though built as a refuge at a time of endemic Anglo-Scottish warfare, it was also designed to impress: its first-floor great chamber still displays rare traces of elaborate medieval wall paintings.

Following the coming of peace under James I, a column-entranced mansion wing was added to the castle in 1614: here the family lived until Christmas Day 1817, when they moved into Belsay Hall.

Belsay Hall, now displayed without furnishings, revealing the fine craftsmanship of its construction, is an austerely Classical Greek Revival villa. Begun in 1807, it was designed by Sir Charles Monck (formerly Middleton), a man inspired by Ancient Greece, and the buildings he had seen on his honeymoon in Athens, particularly the Temple of Theseus. It had nevertheless a comfortable and up-to-date interior, arranged round its amazing central two-storey 'Pillar Hall.'

The vast gardens which provide a magnificent setting for castle and hall are also largely the work of Sir Charles Monck. His rugged and romantic Quarry Garden, created where stone was cut for his hall, has ravines, pinnacles and sheer rock faces inspired by the quarries of Sicily. His grandson Sir Arthur Middleton, likewise a pioneering plantsman, further embellished the Quarry with a wider range of exotic species, as well as adding the Winter Garden, Yew Garden, and Magnolia Terrace.