The Great Hall

The Great Hall at Boughton is the largest and most imposing room of the House. Some of the works of art in this room include:

  • A rare portrait of Queen Elizabeth I as a young princess (far right). The importance of this portrait was highlighted on a visit by historians Alison Weir and Tracy Borman.

Rare portrait of Queen Elizabeth I as a Princess

  • The two oval portraits on the East Wall are of Ralph, 1st Duke of Montagu, and his first wife Elizabeth Wriothsley, by Pierre Mignard (1612-95).
  • The portrait of Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton (1573-1624), hangs alongside that of his wife, Elizabeth Vernon. Southampton was a supporter and patron of Shakespeare and is shown here with the Tower of London in the upper right, where he was imprisoned by Elizabeth for plotting against her.
  • Watercolour of reconstruction of Great Hall with accurate depiction of existing roof structures by A. W. Blomfield c. 1890

Watercolour at Boughton House by Blomfield