Solace Day 11.

Making our way slowly back towards Great Haywood.  As we passed the Swarkestone are this striking building caught ny eye, way across the fields.  I had no idea what it was just that it was very similar in architecture to a building near Tixal.

When I got chance to llok it up it turns out to be Swarkestone Hall pavilion, also known as Swarkestone stand and The Grandstand.  It stands near the ruins of Swarkestone Hall and dates back to 1630-32.  Why it was built and what it was used for seem to be a bit of a mystery.  The date suggests it may have been to celebrate Sir John Harpur's marriage.

Suggested uses have bowling alley house,  Grandstand, Bullring, Summer House, Banqueting House and decorative part of a formal garden.  Whatever it was it is an intriguing and impressive building.  This shot only shows the end of the building.