This room is situated at the top of the stair adjacent to the Earl’s Kitchen. As you enter you will see a narrow, circular staircase to the left, which leads to a room overhead. This was probably used as a children’s bedroom or by some other members of the family. The tower over this room was originally a columbarium or pigeon hole, a very necessary adjunct to a 15th century household when fresh meat was almost unobtainable in winter; consequently pigeons were a staple diet.
On the left as you enter is an elaborately carved French 16th century walnut cupboard with pot-board below and lift-up top. Over the fireplace is a large painting on a wooden panel depicting the temptation of Adam and Eve; it is Flemish 16th century of the School of Mabuse. Facing is another German 15th century oak cupboard with a door and falling writing flap between the linenfold panels; the triangular chair is late 17th century. The painting in the window is a contemporary French portrait of Mary Queen of Scots in a white dress and white pearl cap. Beside it is an allegorical picture of an old man and young woman. It is German, from the school of Lucas Cranach, 16th century.
The magnificent carved bedposts are English, 16th century; the bed-back is 17th century while the valance is of fine needlework embroidered with scenes from the childhood of Christ. On the bed is a pageant dress with a green cloak. The oak cradle is dated 1657. The walnut baby walker is late 17th century. The picture above the window embrasure depicts a decapitated soldier, probably a scene from the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. It is Flemish, 17th century with moulded tortoise-shell frame. On the right is a great 16th century continental cupboard decorated with elaborate panels of rondel heads.
The “leuchter-weibschen” chandelier consists of a wooden painted flamboyant figure of an antlered female torso holding a shield emblazoned with a lion, and terminating in a fish tail. It is German late16th /early 17th century.
In this room the food was prepared and cooked for the Earl’s private household. It is likely that the food for large banquets would have been cooked in a “lodge” or perhaps in the castle courtyard. To the left is a James II period oak cupboard. The red sandstone fireplace, into which is fitted an adjustable ornamental 18th century crane, is English. On the 17th century table, early cooking utensils and pewter plates are displayed. The oak mortar in the centre of the floor is 18th century and was used for pounding or mixing food. At the end of the table a garbage disposal opening connects with the ‘garderobe’ or lavatory in this tower. Over the fireplace there is a selection of Irish pewter plates and some fine examples of turtle shells.
