Located in the Entrance Hall, the Castle Object of the Month for August is this stunning Caqueteuse Armchair or Conversation Chair.
The Conversation Chair, which was made c1500, is crafted from Walnut and has a lovely rich brown colouring. It was bought by former owners the Astors in the 20th Century to furnish their beautiful home.
The furnishing is one of three such chairs in the Castle. French in design the original name for these pieces came from the French ‘caqueter’, which means to chat. These chairs were designed especially for women, who had larger items of clothing. The broad trapezoidal seat and curved arm rests allowed them to sit in comfort in the wide dresses that were fashionable throughout the era.
More about the Entrance Hall:
The Entrance Hall was added to the fifteenth century manor house in c.1506 by Thomas Boleyn, Anne Boleyn’s father. Original timbers can be seen in the earlier doorway, directly opposite the current entrance.
Interesting furniture housed here includes 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.
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.
You can visit the Entrance Hall on your tour of Hever Castle.
Plus, find out more interesting information in the Castle news archive section.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.