The Great Hall

The Great Hall. . , This is the largest room in the keep, rising to its full height. It was used not only for state banquets but also for holding court and the reception of important visitors, who might also be invited to dine with the Earl. , The illustration shows a banquet in the early 15th century, The Earl and his guests are seated at the high table on a dais at the far end. Above this was a gallery for minstrels and other entertainments. , Stairs from the wine cellar lead up to the small doorway in the far corner, so that wine could be brought directly to the Great Hall. , In the wall to your right there were originally two great windows. The far one had a stone table or sideboard in it, and the other was blocked by a fireplace which was inserted in the early 16th century.