Rufford Old Hall is about 3 miles from where I live.
Situated between Southport and Preston, Rufford Old Hall is considered to be one of Lancashire's finest 16th Century buildings. It was home to the Heskith family for over 400 years and the building depicts the family's wealth and position in society.
The Great Hall is magnificent and was built to be admired. It has a very rare feature - an elaborately carved movable wooden screen, separating the hall from the kitchen at the eastern end. It is believed that William Shakespeare performed in the hall for Sir Thomas Heskith.