While the splendours of the Neo-classical and Regency interiors of Castle Coole have been much admired and are recognised as being of international importance, few know of the wonders that are to be found below stairs.

Castle Coole was designed by James Wyatt for the 1st Earl Belmore and was built in the 1790s. Below ground, lit by tall windows is a splendid suite of servant’s rooms and service quarters, which have been largely hidden from public view, and in a state of gentle decline for several generations.

The National Trust has so far concentrated its efforts on restoring the stone exterior, and in the grand show rooms leaving the basement rooms somewhat neglected, and prey to severe damp penetration. A recent damp-proofing project has been successful, and we can now begin to plan active conservation and restoration work.

In 1996 Christina Hardyment described the basement at Castle Coole as 'potentially the most spectacular museum of domesticity in the world'. Although this may seem an exaggerated statement there can be no doubting the scale and potential opportunity to develop access to this extensive area which once served as the 'engine' that supported and sustained life above stairs for many generations.

Kitchen, scullery, huge cellars, rooms for footmen, butler, and maids, and a large Servant’s Hall, are spaces previously hidden form public view that now present fresh opportunities to re-tell the story of Castle Coole and the people who lived and worked there.

Preparation work is underway to meet basic access needs, as we prepare to open limited areas of the basement this summer; offering a glimpse of the below stairs world at Castle Coole. The first stage involves opening the Servant’s Hall, Cellar, and Kitchen areas and seeking feedback from visitors on how they think we should proceed to develop the vision to restore and manage the basement.

Meantime, we are also keen to research the history of domestic service at Castle Coole and trace the relatives of any former staff who worked there.

If you can provide any information on the past history of the basement and staff who worked in domestic service at Castle Coole please contact Kate McAloon on 028 6634 8249 or email kate.mcaloon@nationaltrust.org.uk