VISITORS to a historic hall can come face-to-face with a cast of characters from the past for the first time in almost two centuries.

Scaffolding has been erected inside the central section of Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland so that stone masons can carry out repair and consolidation work.

The main central hall was gutted by fire in 1822 and its floors collapsed, leaving statues and fireplaces attached to the walls but suspended 15ft above the heads of visitors to the National Trust property.

Now visitors will be able to use a stairway to reach two levels of the scaffolding to look the stucco statues in the eye.

It will be the first time this has been possible since 1822, and it will also be the last after the scaffolding comes down in 16 weeks’ time.

The 7ft high stucco statues in shallow alcoves around the main hall represent geography, painting, sculpture, astronomy, music and architecture.

They will be assessed by National Trust conservators on how best to consolidate and safeguard their future.