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10. The Public Chapel

The chapel is situated in the southeast tower of the Great Hall.  It has a finely decorated plaster ceiling, evidently of the late 16th century, and one of the Great Earl’s modifications.  It is elaborately paneled and decorated with bunches of grapes, emblematic of the Holy Eucharist. The altar has two early stone statues of saints, a small 17th century bible box, two Italian wooden gilt candlesticks, c. 1700, a 15th century Spanish processional cross and book “Annales Baroni”.  The needlework altar frontal depicts the story of David and Bethsheba.  It is South German, early 15th century.  To the left of the altar is a late 16th century Hungarian ciborium of enamel and gilt set with precious stones placed within a 16th century chalice cupboard.  Above is a 15th century oil painting on a wooden panel by an unknown artist depicting the story of the premonition of the Death of the Virgin.

To the right of the altar hangs a 15th century painting of St. Blaise.  An early Flemish 16th century monstrance of copper gilt, sits within the aumbry or alcove next to which is a 15th century piscina with a finely carved ogee head and quatrefoil basin used for rinsing after mass. The silver flagon is 16th century.

Beneath is a rare, ironbound 12th century church chest with three locks. In front of the altar is a 15th century revolving iron candleholder and 16th century silvered brass Spanish processional cross.  Looking towards the window there is a late 15th century fine carved figure of St. Sebastian.  To the right of the window is an altarpiece.  It is of two periods; the wings are late 15th century, and the centre panel of the Crucifixion is by an Antwerp artist of the late 16th century.  On the floor is a fine 17th century prayer rug with two compartments in the interior, decorated with brilliant colours and with a border of oushak type. The folding stool with cushion is 17th century Italian.


Woman Playing Harp