The Peacock at Rowsley dates back to 1652 when it was built as a Manor House by John Stevenson. Once the Dower House to Haddon Hall, The Peacock now serves as the perfect bolt hole for exploring the Peak District, and the beautiful Derbyshire estates of Haddon and Chatsworth. A hidden gem and delightful surprise for many, here are five things you may not know about our 17th century country house.
1) When first a hotel in 1820, The Peacock attracted many bathers who would plunge into the nearby River Wye!
2) The dining chairs and tables in the Restaurant were made by the original mouseman, Mousey Thompson from Kilburn in Yorkshire (distinguishable because of the little mouse carved on the legs of each piece of furniture).
3) The oval end dining table in our Derwent room is George III mahogany. It has a plain design on eleven square tapering legs with brass casters.
4) The portrait of Lady Elizabeth Howard (born 1779) hangs in the restaurant (image shown). This visionary rebuilt Belvoir castle and designed and landscaped the estate following a devastating fire in 1816.
5) The portrait of a boy wearing a red coat, lace at the neck and a black dog at his side can be found in the entrance of our bar and dates from the early 18th century. The dog appears to be a 19th century addition to the painting. You will discover many more hidden treasures inside The Peacock and we look forward to sharing them with you.
