Throwback Thursday: The Entrance Hall

August 29 2019 | Castle History

This Throwback Thursday image shows the Entrance Hall in 1900 with the door opening into the ‘West Room’, later to become the Library.  The ceiling and Gothic arch show little change today, but the large stone fireplace was removed by William Waldorf Astor, and so was the staircase which faced the front door and led up in two flights to the Minstrels Gallery, and to the upper rooms of the Castle.  This was replaced by a new oak staircase leading out of the Inner Hall.

If you visit the Castle today, the Entrance Hall now houses a variety of interesting furniture including an oak bench table (c. 1610) which would have been used by monks in their tiny cells, as well as the magnificent choir stall (c. 1480) which is Italian and made from walnut. There is also a caquetoire, or conversation chair, dating from the 16th century. The seat was made broad enough to accommodate wide dresses so that the ladies could chat in comfort.

The long refectory table (c. 1565) is Italian, and the two large vases standing on it are Japanese Imari porcelain from about 1780. The collection of dishes and plates date from 1650 to 1800.

The large leather and iron jackboots towards the end of the hall are postilion’s boots and date from about 1690. Find out more about the postilion’s boots.

To find out more about Hever Castle’s interesting history, please see our archives.