It is difficult to say how or when the pot was first brought to Warwick Castle, but it seems probable that it came into the family through the marriage of Margaret, daughter of Richard de Beauchamp, with John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, from whom the Dudleys, Viscounts Lisle—afterwards created Earls of Warwick—were descended.
Amongst the many interesting relics which are to be found in this magnificent feudal hall—interesting alike to the archæologist and to the casual observer, because of their romantic associations—are a helmet of Oliver Cromwell; breastplate and morion of the Lord Brooke, who was killed in 1643 at the siege of Lichfield; a fine example of a “double–plated” tilting suit; a suit of armour said to have belonged to Charles Graham, Marquis of Montrose; the mace of the King Maker, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick; and a tiny suit of armour which belonged to Robert, son of the Earl of Leicester, who is traditionally, but probably incorrectly, said to have been poisoned by his nurse between the age of three and four years; a very interesting square and painted shield of the reign of Edward IV.; and a large number of other arms.
A fine vista through the whole of the State apartments is obtainable from the hall, the length of which suite is upwards of 320 feet. From the great hall the Red Drawing–Room—so called because of the colour of its wainscotted panelling—is reached; it is a handsome chamber, measuring some 30 feet by 19–1/2 feet, with a ceiling of white and gold.
Warwick Castle, as all the world knows, contains an almost unrivalled collection of pictures, the richest treasures of which are by Rubens, Van Dyck, Raphael, and Rembrandt.
In the Cedar Drawing–Room, which possesses deep–set windows, and takes its name from the wood with which it is panelled, is some of the finest carving in the castle, and also some of the best works of Van Dyck. Indeed it would be difficult to find gathered together in one room more excellent examples of this master’s work.
Amongst the most noticeable of the pictures are portraits of James Graham, Marquis of Montrose; and the composite full length picture of Queen Henrietta Maria, the bust of which was painted by Van Dyck, and the remainder by Sir Joshua Reynolds. There is also a half–length picture of Charles I. by Van Dyck; two pictures of frail beauties of the Court of Charles II. by Lely; and a good portrait of Sarah, Countess of Warwick, who died in 1851, by Bonelli.
Among the many other exquisite objects d’art which here have an adequate setting is a beautiful table of Florentine mosaic from Grimani Palace, Venice, ornamented in precious stones, such as lapis–lazuli, cornelians, chalcedony, jaspar, and variegated agates, with the arms and honours of the family. Two beautiful early Italian marriage chests also find a place in this apartment, the treasures of which connoisseurs recognise as almost priceless.
PALACE YARD, COVENTRY.