Tester bed
Category
Furniture
Date
1650 - 1700
Materials
Oak and textile
Measurements
2320 x 1600 mm; 2050 mm (L)
Order this imageCollection
Moseley Old Hall, Staffordshire
NT 477252.1
Summary
Oak fourposter bed of simple construction: Four plain turned posts support rectangular tester frame. Narrow headboard.
Full description
Reputedly the bed used by Charles II when he sought refuge at Moseley Old Hall after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Sir Geoffrey Mander (1882-1962) of Wightwick Manor saw the bed on a visit to Moseley on 23 April 1904. He noted, 'Motored over at 12.30 with Cl. Smyth to see bedstead on which Charles II slept during his flight after the battle of Worcester in 1651, sep 8. Bedstead in chapel, very rude framework, two posts in front missing, good plain curtains. paper band round top rose pattern (?later) 5.3 brd 1 8.2.' Eleven years later, on 25 October 1913, Mander purchased the bed for £15 15s and it was restored in March 1914 by Perry and Phillips of Bridgnorth. Mander's notes record that the restoration 'consisted in removing a modern wooden cornice with red and white paper on it, replacing the two front posts which had gone with two old oak posts and cleaning (only) the linen marino [sic] original curtains. The present beautiful yellow had become very dirty. Otherwise the bed is in its original condition when Charles occupied it September 7 and 8 1651. There is not a nail or bolt in it. Perry and Phillips offered G le MM £150 for it and said afterwards it should not be sold under £500.' The bed returned to Moseley Old Hall in 1962. The firm of Perry and Phillips still exists in Bridgnorth in two forms, as funeral directors and as auctioneers. The business dates back to 1835. In Kelly's Directory of Shropshire 1891 (p. 43) they are listed variously as 'Upholsterers', 'Cabinet makers' and as 'Cabinet furniture manfrs' and in an advertisement they described themselves as 'Manufacturers of high-class cabinet furniture, Interior decorators, upholsterers and undertakers' and 'House agents, auctioneers and valuers. Established January, 1867.'
Provenance
Purchased by Geoffrey Mander on 25 October 1913 for £15 15s and removed to Wightwick Manor. Subsequently restored by Perry and Phillips of Bridgnorth, March 1914. Returned to Moseley Old Hall in 1962.