Fleeting Fox Antiques
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle
A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle

A remarkable rare 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle

Code: 10361

Dimensions:

W: 247.5cm (97.4")H: 146cm (57.5")D: 91.5cm (36")

SOLD

A remarkable 8ft early 17th century antique elm and pine barrel back tavern settle. 

This huge settle has an incredible history, with strong links to the English witch trials and was sourced from the historic village of Brandeston in Suffolk. 

Fresh to market, since its discovery. Purchased by ourselves direct from the pub The Queen in the village where it has resided since the early 1600s. 

The village pub The Queen, formally known as The Queen's Head was established in 1447. It played a part in the largest and most famous witch trials in English history. These trials were instigated by the Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins. It's documented that Hopkins resided at the tavern in Brandeston after the village vicar John Lowes was accused of witchcraft, tortured, and put on trial in 1642. Lowes was subsequently found guilty along with 17 others and hung at Bury St Edmunds.

The settle itself is a wonderful example as it stands, it's only when we look closer that we see that the events of the time have left their marks. 

The backrest has carved period graffiti, but more importantly it is covered with various apotropaic protection symbols, otherwise known as 'witch marks'. The rear of the settle is extensively carved with daisy wheels, and other associated faint markings. Many are well worn back and overlapped by more clear examples. There are a series of small daisy wheels running in line down one of the vertical supports. One of the deep carved markings to the front within the graffiti, would also appear to be a protection symbol.

Both the settle's grand scale and wonderful patina make it incredibly desirable. However its links to the historic witch trials certainly elevate it even more. 

The piece is well constructed and considering the width of it's seat, bares weight very well. Althrough an incredibly early example it is remarkably sturdy. It has seen some efforts to ensure it's continued use, with primitive  historic blacksmith forged brackets being implemented to sure up any weak points. These along with the natural polished surface of the timber, which is the result of almost 400 years of use, have helped to create a wonderful example of english tavern furniture.

The settle will comfortably seat 5 adults.

Dimensions:-

Width - 247.5cm

Height - 146cm

Depth 91.5cm

Seat depth - 37.5cm

Seat height - 45-49cm

Backrest height - 97cm

 

A truly amazing find for us, and a remarkable discovery. Pieces of furniture that are so well interwoven with such historic events are so rare, thats it is fair to say this is a true one off.

 

Found in surprisingly good condition considering its age. Structually good and bares weight.

Obvious signs of historic wear and tear, with these all helping to give the settle its character.

Some historic repairs as would be expected.

The settle does stand freely with a slight tilt, althought given its scale and curve this is forgivable.

 

*Delivery fee is based on UK mainland, buyers located in Scotland and Wales please make contact prior to committing to purchase to request a shipping quote*

 

 

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