Washington Old Hall, Manor house museum in Washington, Sunderland, England.
Washington Old Hall is a 12th-century manor house in northeast England that now functions as a museum. The building features rooms furnished with period objects from different eras and a surrounding garden with heritage fruit trees.
Stone walls from 1183 formed the original core of the building, which was later expanded in the 17th century. The family left England in the 17th century and moved to Virginia, where their descendants played a role in American history.
The hall takes its name from a family who lived here for several centuries before emigrating overseas. Visitors today can see how people lived and worked in a medieval and early modern English country residence.
The house opens from March through October, with most rooms having limited wheelchair access due to narrow doorways and steps. Larger groups should announce their visit in advance to avoid crowding in the small exhibition spaces.
The garden grows heritage apple and pear varieties that were already cultivated in this region in the 17th century. The roof still displays original sandstone chimneys dating from before 1600.
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