On our way home from Crooklands, we visited Sizergh Castle, near Kendal. The home of the Strickland family since the year 1239, it is now in the hands of the National Trust, but the Strickland family still live there in one of the wings, having been in occupation for over 700 years.
The gardens feature a mirror pond, designed to reflect the castle and a limestone rock garden which has a superb collection of acer (or Japanese Maple) trees.
The Strickland family managed to hold on to their home and prosper, despite being Roman Catholics in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Their story is remarkable and the house features a Roman Catholic chapel to this day.
The house has undergone many changes over the years and is famous for its wood panelling and carving, installed in the 16th century.
While we were there, Red Rose Woodturners were holding a demonstration and exhibition of their work.
"See-u-Later" 