Overmantel
Category
Architecture / Features & Decoration
Date
Unknown
Materials
Collection
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
NT 1130404
Summary
Decorative fireplace and overmantel: The fireplace is stone with decorative features including carved pilasters flanking the fire opening and carved frieze above. Above is a plasterwork overmantel with painted arms set within strapwork. The arms commemorate Bess of Hardwick’s marriage to William Cavendish and the marriages of their children. The central arms with a stag below and coiled snake and motto ‘Cavendo Tutus’ above. Above this is the Hardwick arms with stag supporters and a coronet above. On either side of the central arms are the combined monograms of Williams and Elizabeth Cavendish. On the outer edges are six sets of arms representing the six marriages of William and Elizabeth’s Children.