Aeglentyne (Eglantine) Table Hardwick Hall

Aeglentyne (Eglantine) Table, Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire

The Aeglentyne (Eglantine) Table is one of the rarest surviving pieces of furniture in England. It most likely dates from 1568 and was made in London to commemorate Bess of Hardwick's fourth marriage to George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury and the marriages of their children.

The table in the High Great Chamber of Hardwick Hall is made of a variety of woods - ash, deal, fruitwoods, limewood, and walnut. It depicts various Elizabethan musical instruments as well as games such as backgammon and playing cards in mostly actual size. It is 90 cm (35 inches) tall, 302 cm (119 inches) long and 129 cm (51 inches) wide.

The name of the table comes from the eglantine rose (sweet briar rose) part of the Hardwick coat of arms.

The connections between the table and Elizabethan music are explored in the book Music and Instruments of the Elizabethan Age: The Eglantine Table available from Amazon USA, Amazon UK and Amazon Japan.

The Sea-Dog Table is another piece of important Elizabethan furniture on show at Hardwick Hall. (See the next photograph for more details).