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8. The Earl's Private Chapel.

The window or communion ope of the private chapel is located on the east wall so that occupants of the South Solar could hear Mass being celebrated and receive Communion.  The brass pricket candlesticks are 17th century.  The two panels at the back of the altar are early 16th century and originally formed part of a triptych.  They are painted with scenes from the gospels.

On the right of the altar is a magnificent continental silver gilt, late 15th century processional cross, the lower part of hexagonal shape decorated with diapers and leaves.  The middle portion consists of a platform supporting six figures of winged saints beneath canopies of intricate Gothic tracery surmounted by the elaborately adorned cross which is embellished with four enameled silver quatrefoils.

Standing on the floor is an elaborate Spanish wrought iron lectern of the 16th century displaying an early bible cushion of red velvet.  On the wall is a French 14th century wooden figure of Christ crucified.  On the side altar is a 16th century casket – shaped table cupboard over which is a German painting on a wooden panel depicting St. Jerome 1530.  To the left hand side of the altar is a 16th century carved polychrome figure of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The carving on the altar is of St. Ann, Mary and the Saviour.  Over the window is a Spanish 17th century painting of the Last Supper.  Under the window is a painted Italian 15th century cassone or marriage chest with biblical scenes. Resting on the top there is a 17th century funeral helmet with a five-barred visor and a spike to hold a family crest.  Here also is a mediaeval sword with straight guard.  The 17th century German deep silver alms dish is decorated with an engraved coat of arms surrounded by depressed lobes.   The fragment of Ispahan carpet is c.1600.


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