Little Moreton Hall

Two Mrs Hursthouses (my wife and my mum) are pictured leaving this fascinating National Trust property, which is close to Alsager in Cheshire.

And we had the benefit of an official guidebook that had been edited by Mrs Amy Feldman-Hursthouse (my daughter-in-law)!

The charming wibbly-wobbly nature of the property is due to the fact that the top storey -known as the long gallery - was a later addition and was slightly too heavy for the structure beneath it.

The Moreton family worked to alleviate the strain over the centuries and the National Trust has continued this work - a steel cradle now supports the long gallery and protects the rest of the house.

The long gallery was used for exercise and games. An early 17th century tennis ball was found beneath the floorboards made from Italian leather and filled with moss or feathers.