This is one of a series of detailed reviews I have written about Burghley House.
Leaving the OLD KITCHEN, the tour passes through a lobby with a collection of leather fire buckets and a porters chair, complete with a high back and hood designed to keep out draughts.
The ROMAN STAIRS with their elaborate plaster ceiling lead up to the first floor. It is the only remaining Tudor staircase and originally led up to the roof, an area used for recreation and private conversation.
To the left is the ANTE CHAPEL and CHAPEL. The ante chapel was where the servants assembled. This has the only window overlooking the central courtyard.
The family and important guests worshipped in the chapel with its fireplace and elaborate plaster ceiling. The ten bronzed figures depict the Wise Virgins. The wood carving of fruit and flowers was probably the work of two of Gringling Gibbon’s followers. The altar piece is a C16th painting of Zebedee’s wife petitioning our Lord.
