The spectacular Great Hall has an intricately carved ‘moveable’ wooden screen and dramatic hammer-beam roof. Evidence suggests that Shakespeare performed in this hall for the owner, Sir Thomas Hesketh, whose family owned Rufford for over 400 years. The house contains fine collections of 16th- and 17th-century oak furniture, arms, armour and tapestries. The grounds are laid out in late Victorian style and feature a herbaceous border, orchard, topiary, sculpture and a woodland walk. What’s new in 2004: Wildflower meadow