Treasures of a Lancashire Home

A lithograph depicting Rufford Old Hall in 1840

Over 4,000 of Rufford Old Hall's objects have been put under the microscope to reveal what we have, why we have it and where it came from. Now, you can discover what we found out in this fascinating new exhibition for 2020.

The exhibition is open to explore between Saturday-Wednesday, 11-5pm. From 23 May, it will be open every day, 11-5pm. Normal admission prices apply, free entry for National Trust members and under 5s.

A painting being inspected in the Dining Room at Rufford Old Hall

Shining a light on 400 years of Hesketh history

Many fascinating and beautiful objects were collected, commissioned and created by the Hesketh family between the early 1500s and when the property was donated to the National Trust in 1936. But, for a lot of the objects in Rufford's collections today, their stories are not so clear.

Screen inside Rufford's Great Hall

Every object has a story to tell

From the one-of-a-kind carved screen in the Great Hall and a Flemish Baroque painting in the Dining Room, to the Drawing Room's beautiful stained glass and the Ante Room's cabinet of curiosity, every corner of Rufford Old Hall is filled with objects that can tell the story of life in this Lancashire Home. But what are those stories?

Explore Rufford's collections

Take a closer look

Keep your eyes peeled as you journey through the house. We've left no object unturned, so don't forget to grab one of our handy room cards, read the labels or chat to our knowledgeable volunteers. Like us, your head will be brimming with questions as the story of this Lancashire home unfurls around you.