Lady Waterford Hall

Ford, Northumberland
★★

This former school at the centre of Ford estate village was commissioned by Louisa Ann Beresford, Marchioness of Waterford in 1860 after she inherited the village upon her husband’s death. The interior is adorned with beautiful murals, painted by the marchioness herself over a period of 21 years. They depict Biblical scenes, but use the faces of local tenants, schoolchildren and estate workers. The hall now acts as a community hub and events venue – but is usually open to the public if not otherwise in use.