Speke Hall is an oak framed house that was the seat of the Norris family for many generations. Construction of the current building began in 1530 and during a time of religious upheaval it incorporated a priest's hole and an observation hole within a chimney that was used to watch for people approaching the house and forewarn the priest.   The building went through a number of extensions after the great hall itself was constructed in 1530.  The oak parlour wing was added a year later, while a west wing was added around 1547. Among its features was a 'thunderbox' toilet and an eavesdrop for the purpose of listening in on visitors'conversations while at the original front door. Subsequent owners included the Beauclerk and the Watts families.

Image details: Engraved by L Aspland from a drawingby G & C Pyne