After careful observation,some urbex blarney with some workmen and a unique chance we managed to gain an access all areas pass to this wonderful historic old building.
The team consisted of Johno23,Drama Queen&Timewarp.
This was Derby`s first brick building built in 1611 and was the home of the wealthy local land owning family of Gisbournes,many of whom held important office in old Derby town in various roles.It was originally five gables wide and had extensive grounds to the rear,however three of these gables were demolished in 1885 to make way for the street at the side of the first picture,namely Becket Street,they were even demolishing things in those days for no good reason,no change there then
It is reportedly one of the most haunted buildings within the city of Derby with fourteen documented ghosts.
As seasoned explorers we are not easily scared and entered with the usual scepticism.Although we did not actually see anything we did experience some very strange happenings which we could not explain,which added to the mystery of the explore.
The building has latterly been used as a restaurant,but it has been empty for well over a year now after the proprietor walked away leaving everything due to the recession.It has had many uses over the years and is currently undergoing restoration to be reopened in the near future,no doubt as another pub.
Some four hours and 700 plus photos later we emerged very pleased indeed.Here is a mere sample of the photos.
A front exterior view.
Many of the original interior features remain,many a roaring coal fire here.
Original wood panelling and windows.
A unique Jacobean window catch.
One of the original arches,spoilt by a liberal coating of gloss paint.
The grand central staircase,scene of strange happenings
Part of the ancient cellars,a large part of the cellars were lost to demolition in 1885,Damn them I love cellars.
Original staircase to servants quarters,this turned out to be the most interesting,unique and spooky part of the building.
This strange original beam arrangement supporting the roof.
Craftsmanship of nearly 400 years ago.
Another interior roof shot,NO tin,plastic or glass here,thankfully
A view out on to front balcony,I wonder who has stood out here in years gone by
Abandoned staff room,once one of the servants bedrooms.
One of my favourite shots of the day.
A similar shot showing original jacobean window.
Amongst the attic junk,a souvenir of its recent uses in the last few years.
Once busy kitchen,currently in retirement.
A moody window in kitchen area.
Roof shot showing old original chimneys of which there were many.
Ancient rooftops,built to last in those days.
A very enjoyable few hours and a feeling of a job well done indeed,nice old place
The team consisted of Johno23,Drama Queen&Timewarp.
This was Derby`s first brick building built in 1611 and was the home of the wealthy local land owning family of Gisbournes,many of whom held important office in old Derby town in various roles.It was originally five gables wide and had extensive grounds to the rear,however three of these gables were demolished in 1885 to make way for the street at the side of the first picture,namely Becket Street,they were even demolishing things in those days for no good reason,no change there then
It is reportedly one of the most haunted buildings within the city of Derby with fourteen documented ghosts.
As seasoned explorers we are not easily scared and entered with the usual scepticism.Although we did not actually see anything we did experience some very strange happenings which we could not explain,which added to the mystery of the explore.
The building has latterly been used as a restaurant,but it has been empty for well over a year now after the proprietor walked away leaving everything due to the recession.It has had many uses over the years and is currently undergoing restoration to be reopened in the near future,no doubt as another pub.
Some four hours and 700 plus photos later we emerged very pleased indeed.Here is a mere sample of the photos.
A front exterior view.
Many of the original interior features remain,many a roaring coal fire here.
Original wood panelling and windows.
A unique Jacobean window catch.
One of the original arches,spoilt by a liberal coating of gloss paint.
The grand central staircase,scene of strange happenings
Part of the ancient cellars,a large part of the cellars were lost to demolition in 1885,Damn them I love cellars.
Original staircase to servants quarters,this turned out to be the most interesting,unique and spooky part of the building.
This strange original beam arrangement supporting the roof.
Craftsmanship of nearly 400 years ago.
Another interior roof shot,NO tin,plastic or glass here,thankfully
A view out on to front balcony,I wonder who has stood out here in years gone by
Abandoned staff room,once one of the servants bedrooms.
One of my favourite shots of the day.
A similar shot showing original jacobean window.
Amongst the attic junk,a souvenir of its recent uses in the last few years.
Once busy kitchen,currently in retirement.
A moody window in kitchen area.
Roof shot showing old original chimneys of which there were many.
Ancient rooftops,built to last in those days.
A very enjoyable few hours and a feeling of a job well done indeed,nice old place
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