Created from 10 individual shots and merged together in Photoshop.

This is Kiplin Hall, in North Yorkshire, an intriguing Jacobean house. It was built for George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I and founder of Maryland, USA.

Since it was built way back in 1619, the house has belonged to four fascinating families, connected by blood or marriage, and some of the former owners even had royal connections.

The last owner was Bridget Talbot who from 1937 until 1958 tried to interest the National Trust in taking over Kiplin, but they remained largely indifferent, considering the Hall of little historical significance and insisting that the north and south wings, which were later additions, would have to be demolished - something Miss Talbot was very much against.

Then in February 1968, Miss Talbot set up the Kiplin Hall Trust, its purpose being to preserve Kiplin Hall for the benefit of the nation as a place historical and architectural interest. Bridget Talbot died in November 1971, leaving the contents of the Hall to the Trust, which still cares for the Hall and the surrounding estate today.

Please view on black for best effect.