The Colonade Room.
The Great Dining Room - When Aston Hall was completed in the 1630’s this was the principal state room or Great Chamber. It was used for formal dining and for entertaining guests and would have been one of the most richly decorated rooms in the Jacobean house. The elaborate ceiling and frieze are important examples of early 17th century plasterwork. The figures decorating the frieze are the Nine Worthies – three Honest Heathens (Hector, Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar), three Old Testament Heroes (Joshua, David and Judas Maccabeus) and three Champions of Christendom (Charlemange, King Arthur and Godfrey of Bouillon). A further two figures in the centre of the walls – Perseus and an unknown male – were added later. The spectacular chimney piece is also an original Jacobean feature. However, the pine panelling is the result of 18th century alterations.
The Great Dining Room.
The Great Dining Room.
The Great Dining Room.
The Great Dining Room.
The Orange Chamber - This room appears on James Watt junior’s plans as the Orange Chamber but was described in the 17th century as the Second Best Lodging Chamber. In 1604 it was one of the best furnished rooms in Aston Hall with tapestries on the wall, “Kidderminster stuff” curtains, a carpet, looking glass, large bed and chairs and stools valued at £ 23 16s 8d. The room was lit by the bay window in the gable wall and a compass window on the south wall, sadly no longer in existence. The original 17th century frieze contains mould formed unicorns and lions - bearers of the English Royal coat of arms. The fireplace dates from the early 18th century. In the 19th century this room formed part of the lodgings for Heny Quilter, the custodian of the Hall and later on Alfred Rodway of the Baths and Parks Committee. Part of the frieze had been left exposed to show the moulding before the final layers of lime and distemper have been applied. Philip Rodway, later the manger of Birmingham’s Theatre Royal, was one of Alfred’s children. His memory of Aston Hall was a place, Full of noises, sounds and strange airs......creating many uncanny situations.
The Orange Chamber.
The Orange Chamber.
Some Furniture.