Wooden overmantel from 229 High Street

In its original form the overmantel was entirely of oak, consisting of an arcade supported by caryatids, with panels carved in low relief, separated by grotesque masks above. It formed part of the rebuilt house of 1584-6; the style of carving is similar to panelling at the Guildhall dating to the 1590s. Both are believed to be works by a group of local craftsmen. The inlaid fruitwood panels within each arch were added in the 1930s in America.

Acknowledgments: RAM Museum