Ascending the stairs from the Solar is the Earl’s pantry. It is evident from the opening on the left as you enter this room that it was once connected to a corresponding floor over the North Solar. This was a later construction and was removed during restoration.
This room was also used for food preparation possibly for the Earl’s family and by servants. There are a number of recesses in the walls. These were probably used as shelves or open storage areas, for food and wine.
