Postcard showing 'Dorothy Vernon's steps', Haddon Hall

Postcard of photographic print showing what are known as 'Dorothy Vernon's steps' at Haddon Hall, near Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Dorothy Vernon (1544–1584), the younger daughter of Sir George Vernon and heiress of Haddon Hall, near Bakewell, Derbyshire, who according to legend, eloped and married John Manners, the second son of Thomas Manners, 1st Earl of Rutland. She is said to have run away via these steps.

The postcard is part of a collection belonging to the Wright family of Eyam, not too far away from Haddon. It forms a collection of images of the exterior and interior of Haddon Hall, most likely sold as souvenirs when visiting the area.

Haddon Hall is an English country house on the River Wye near Bakewell, Derbyshire, a former seat of the Dukes of Rutland. The Vernon family acquired the Manor of Haddon in the 12th century by a marriage between Sir Richard de Vernon and Alice Avenell, daughter of William Avenell II. The origins of the hall are from the 11th century, with additions at stages between the 13th century and the Tudor period of the 17th century.