Gilding is the theme for #TudorTuesdays with Historic Houses.
Despite the fact it is a replica c.1800, the suit of jousting armour in Hever Castle’s Council Chamber is a good example of the sort of item that would have been gilded in the Tudor era.
As there was no football at the time (or at least, not as we know it today, which is a story for another day) jousting was one of the most popular sporting events, although due to the basic requirements of full armour and a horse (preferably a small, but quick turning Spanish breed) jousting was a pastime reserved for the wealthy.
In order to stand out on the jousting field and to allow spectators to cheer on their favourite, competitors would wear brightly coloured and beautifully decorated suits of armour. Those surviving examples we see today have often lost their colours, but we know that there were armours in blues, blacks, reds, whites and golds, with the gold often in the form of gilded detailing to make the designs stand out all the more.
In the 1500s, the Royal Armoury workshops in Greenwich were considered to be among the best in Europe. Armour here was made only by order of the King, or in the case of Elizabeth I, the Queen. Whereas Henry VIII ordered armour for himself, however, Elizabeth, as a woman who did not therefore ride into battle, instead gave out licences for Greenwich armour as gifts to her favourites. This included her loyal supporter Sir Christopher Hatton, who had several of Greenwich jousting armours, including a black and gold one still on display at Windsor Castle.
In today’s money, it has been estimated that this kind of exclusive, specially designed and highly gilded jousting suits of armour could have cost the Tudor purchaser the equivalent of £1m.
If you enjoyed this item on gilding why not discover the previous #TudorTuesdays news items:
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.