Elizabethan Fireplaces Should Thrill Father Christmas

Father Christmas is heading to Levens Hall and Gardens, to take up residence in the South Lakes historic house’s nursery and spread joy to children. The burning question there, however, relates to through which fireplace he will make his entrance.

The Elizabethan house is somewhat blessed with fireplace overmantels way beyond the norm for the chimney-loving festive visitor.  

In the Large Drawing Room, Father Christmas will find a carved overmantel to a design from a pattern book by Hans Vriedeman de Vries, probably of Flemish creation and dating from around 1595. This carved oak overmantel features in the American edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica and has supports inspired by the Greek Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders. The historical reference is clear, through the depicted coat of arms of both Elizabeth I and former Levens Hall owner, James Bellingham. These arms are also evident in the room’s stunning stained glass windows.

The Library’s overmantel is from a later era, having arrived during Mary Howard’s time as owner, between 1818 and 1877.  It was constructed from carvings, perhaps from furnishings at other estates she owned.  Its carved figures convey virtues  that Father Christmas admires - Wisdom, Truth and Justice - all of whom are supported by half-griffins.

Undoubtedly, the Small Drawing Room has the most breathtaking of all the overmantels, in terms of its Elizabethan and early Jacobean craftsmanship and storytelling.  It depicts not just the four seasons but also the four elements, the five senses and creation itself.

Balance is the message communicated by the four seasons. Spring is a seated figure surrounded by flowers.  Summer boasts a head garland of wheat sheaves.  Autumn evokes a mood of harvest, with grapes and wine.  Bare winter branches surround Winter, who has more than a touch of Father Christmas about him with his charcoal burner in hand.

Air, Fire, Water and Earth are equally appealing figures to note within the carving, whether they have their feet in the clouds, are depicted with a salamander, are decorated with sea shells or are brandishing a cornucopia (horn of plenty).

Hearing, touch, taste, sight and smell are also referenced in this amazing Elizabethan artisan work.  Then, there is creation, with Samson on one side and Hercules on the other.  Combining the biblical with the Classics, this work hints at the influences over Elizabethan thinking.

Most interestingly, those with a keen eye will spot a church within the carving, thought to that of Heversham.  Most likely, the craftsmanship was carried out elsewhere, before the piece arrived at Levens Hall but it would seem that a fitter may have added the church. This could have been in celebration of its restoration after a fire of 1601 that burnt it to the ground.  It is known that, by 1610, the church was ready to open its doors again.  

“With all of these glories, this is most probably the fireplace at which Father Christmas will wish to make his grand entrance,” says Levens Hall and Gardens owner, Richard Bagot.  “From there, it’s just a short walk up the stairs to the Nursery, where he will be taking up residence to greet children this year, along with a few accompanying festive helpers.”

Whether excited children will appreciate all of these amazing fireplace overmantels enroute to Father Christmas is debatable but adults who arrive for new and special tours of the house, available on a first-come-first-served basis and staged on Fridays in December, most certainly can.

There is also an opportunity for other visitors, who arrive to see and hear local bands and musicians on Saturdays and Sundays in December.  These musicians, from bands such as Kendal Concert Band and South Lakes Acappella, will be performing inside the Great Hall at Levens.  Visitors should be able to see the glorious downstairs overmantels during their visit, as well as strolling around the world’s oldest topiary garden in all of its winter glory.

These experiences are out-of-season for the Elizabethan home but part of special Christmas opening, to help communicate the atmosphere of the historic house in winter.

“Do not miss the chance to elect which fireplace you would choose, if you were planning your visit from Lapland,” says Richard Bagot.  “We’d love to know which would be your choice.”

More details of all the December events are at www.levenshall.co.uk

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Editors notes

Levens Hall & Gardens is a historic house in the South Lakes, Cumbria, close to Kendal and home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, dating from 1694, created by French garden designer, Guillaume Beaumont. The Hall is a stunning Elizabethan house built around a 13th century pele tower and has close links to the Duke of Wellington, as well as various items which once belonged to him and Napoleon Bonaparte. Levens Park is home to the rare Bagot goats gifted to the Bagot family and a place in which to stroll and enjoy nature. Levens Kitchen is the contemporary new cafe, full of delights for cake lovers and foodies alike.