The Victorian Kitchen
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The Grand Staircase
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The original Kitchen in the House has recently been restored. Visitors can see how the staff prepared a banquet for Queen Victoria’s visit in 1846, learn about everyday life and experience the atmosphere of a Victorian Kitchen. |
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This elaborately carved staircase, dating from 1611, is one of the finest examples of its kind in existence. |
The Marble Hall
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The Rainbow Portrait
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With its wonderfully extravagant oak carving by John Bucke, the Marble Hall remains much as Robert Cecil, the Ist Earl of Salisbury, built it in 1611. |
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Perhaps the most colourful Tudor portrait, full of inventive iconography. Elizabeths holds a rainbow with the inscription ‘Non sine sole iris’, ‘No rainbow without the sun’, reminding viewers only the Queen’s wisdom can ensure peace and prosperity. |
King James Drawing Room
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The Library
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This has always been the principal reception room in the House. It takes its name from the life-size statue of James I, presented by the King himself, which stands above the mantelpiece. |
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The Library houses an extensive collection of more than 10,000 volumes, dating from the 16th century to the present day. |
The Long Gallery
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Robert Cecil Rock Crystals
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A Long Gallery was an essential feature of every large Jacobean house. This one now runs the entire length of the South Front, having been lengthened to 170 feet in 1781. |
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These fantastic pieces of rock crystal belonged to Robert Cecil. Each item is exquisite and beautiful carved out of a single piece of crystal – a tremendous feat even by todays standards. |
The Winter Dining Room
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The Chapel
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This was created from what was originally a bedchamber and its adjoining withdrawing chamber; they were made into a dining room in the 1780s. |
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The Chapel, consecrated in 1614, is still in regular use as a place of worship. (restoration in progress) |
