Hall Harmonies

Halsway Manor, Bicknoller, Somerset

The only residential folk centre in the UK, Halsway Manor holds residential courses and gatherings including folk singing, music and instrument making and playing, dance, art, crafts, walks and much more.

Than manor can be dated back to before the Norman Conquests of 1066 and has a rich history as home to the landed gentry, tenant farmers, through to being a Victorian school for artists and was eventually purchased by the Halsway Manor Society in 1965 marking a new beginning as a national folk centre.

It houses an impressive library on music and dance, particularly folk music and folklore.

My husband once did some work here in the days when it was in private use and even helped to rescue a peacock from the roof!

Although I have not been lucky enough to see it I understand there is still a Minstrels' Gallery here - quite appropriate for it's new lifestyle.

I have added a folk song by Sandy Denny and Fairport Convention - 'Genesis Hall' as a nod to it's new beginning!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvUqGxwpdio