I know i'm probably missing something stupid, but I've done as much as i could with this game on my own and had to resort to a walkthrough:
Once you get past the hound and enter the manor house, there is a big hole in the floor. How do you get past it? The walkthroughs say to type "SWING OVER HOLE", well I've done that and every other combination i can think of and it doesnt work.
Please, can someone suggest what I might be doing wrong?

Have you got the rope and attached that to the hook?

I've got the rope. There's a hook?

You are a scholar and a gent sir.
Knew it'd be something to do with that damned car.
Many thanks.

Actually there is a way to to this without the hook
Type "swing rope around bannister" and it works without the hook