Little Moreton Hall

Work began on this incredible building near Congleton in 1504, by the wealthy Moreton family. They were local landowners who wanted to show off their wealth and even now, this manor house still has the 'wow factor'. It is a moated, half-timbered building that boasts a Long Gallery on the second floor. It is thought that the third floor was a later addition, which caused the lower floors to buckle and bow. Astonishingly, the house has never been sold in its 450 year history but was given to the National Trust in 1938.

It has been grey, wet and thoroughly miserable here all day but I managed to get my mum out a few hours. She wanted to pop in to the hospital to see the surgeon, to thank him and to give him a belated Christmas gift. He told her she looked 'amazing', so that made her day. She also nipped in to see a friend whose birthday it is today.