This Throwback Thursday photograph from the beginning of the 20th century shows a group of craftsmen in Elgin Studio in Trafalgar Square, the workspace of William Silver Frith. In the background can be seen the carved sabicu fireplace and panelling being made for the Library at Hever Castle. The sabicu was cut and carved in London and brought to Hever in finished sections ready to install.
Sabicu wood (Lysiloma Sabicu) can be found in the West Indies and is mid-brown in colour, sometimes with a reddish tone, dense and hard-wearing. The wood has been used in construction, shipbuilding and in furniture making (although its weight is a disadvantage for this purpose). The stairs of The Crystal Palace in London, in which The Great Exhibition of 1851 was held, were made of sabicu due to its resilience. Despite the enormous traffic that passed over them, the wood at the end was found to be little affected by wear.
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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.