Eastnor Castle - The Rooms (continued)
Please continue your exploration of the Castle - clicking on the images will enlarge them and provide much more detail on the rooms. Click HERE to return to page 1 of the Tour.THE OCTAGON SALOON
This room's unique character derives at least in part from its octagonal shape. The windows afford a fine view across the lower terrace towards the lake. The room has been extensively refurbished twice during the last sixty years, first in the 1930's and again in 1990, when the room was painted by the decorative artist, Laura Jeffreys. The new carpet, like the ones in the Long Library and Little Library, was specially woven for the room in China in 1994. (Click on photo for more detail)
THE LONG LIBRARYOriginally created in Gothic style, the Long Library was redesigned for the 3rd Earl by the decorator, Fox, in Renaissance style. The design was very much to the Earl's specification and provides evidence of his excellent good taste. The library contains some 5,000 books, many of which came from the collection of the eminent historian, Dr Treadway Nash, whose daughter married the 1st Earl.
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THE LITTLE LIBRARY This room was redecorated in 1990 using a Victorian fabric specially reprinted by Watts of Westminster. The early 20th century billiard table is by Boroughs and Watts. Weighing one ton, it was put away in 1939, but has now been reassembled and once again dominates the room.
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THE STAIRCASE HALLThe staircase was designed by Smirke with cast iron bannisters. The 16th century tapestries were bought and hung in 1990. The largest depicts the meeting of Anthony and Cleopatra, while the set of three depict Judith with the head of Holophernes, Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, and Susannah and the Elders. The Florentine wooden chandelier, the Venetian hall chairs and the dragon benches are all 17th century. Click HERE to go upstairs to see many of the bedrooms. (Click image to enlarge)
THE STATE BEDROOMThis room was created for the 3rd Earl. The bed is 17th century Italian and belonged to Cardinal Bellarmino. The wardrobe and drawers are 17th century Venetian. The walls are hung with panels from the Royal School of Needlework. The paintings in this room include "The Last Supper" by Bassano and "The Baptism of Christ" by Tintoretto. (Click on photo for more detail)