MR. JOHN HUDSON’S ROOM.
Mr. Hudson, who resides in Carhillgate, has a considerable collection of interesting curiosities, consisting of carving in woods bone, and ivory; a variety of ancient rings, swords, pistols, crucifixes, Roman payers, coins, medals, old prints, &c. &c. collected by him within the last fifteen years.
The oak sofa, (see the engraving,) is of the age of James I. it contains two drawers under the seat in front; its length seven feet, breadth twenty inches, and height of the back four feet. It was purchased at Scarbro’, in 1825, and altogether forms a useful appendage to a room, whilst, it displays a fine specimen of carving in days long since departed.
An ivory crucifix too, is an interesting relic of antiquity; the body is fully and most beautifully developed, particularly the toes and feet, which have been executed with the greatest nicety.
An ancient pistol-sword, of singular and curious construction. The pistol, which is rifle barrelled, is concealed by a shield in front of the sword handle, and has evidently been intended as an instrument of sure destruction.
The chest, (of which the accompanying plate is a correct representation,) is a very interesting relic, well preserved from decay; it was found some years ago in the ruins of the Abbot’s Palace, formerly belonging to the Franciscan Convent, at Scarbro’. It was purchased of the individual who found it, by Mr. Carter, who, shortly after sold it to its present possessor. This chest is made of hammered iron, about one-eight of an inch thick, and bound with thin bars of the same metal, so as to divide it into compartments as represented in the drawing. The key hole on the front is false, and only placed there for ornament; it has been richly gilt, as has also the outward border or frame, in the stile of French foliage; all the inner compartments have been painted with various devices, chiefly landscape: the handles and bases are painted with native cinnabar; the cover, which is represented open, is almost covered with the lock, of curious workmanship, having five strong bolts, which when the cover is put down, lock themselves, and are opened by a key in the centre of the lid, the key hole of which, is hid with a sliding bar; the enrichment on the front of the lock is curiously chased and fitted up with white metal, not unlike silver, the inside of the chest is painted with native cinnabar or vermillion, as is also the support of the lid.
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© A P NICHOLSON | PAGE LAST UPDATED: 29 MAY 2003