Page 2 - A_stitch_in_time
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Images and their symbolism
The top row of the wall hanging illustrates a hunting scene with the rider on
horseback, master of hounds and dogs following a stag. In the background is a brick
wall and three trees.
Henry VIII frequently hunted in this area, known as Elsyng Manor and later Little
Park Estate. Around 1525, Elsyng was converted into a royal palace and provided a
safe childhood residence for Prince Edward and Princess Elizabeth. The children
were brought news of their father, Henry VIII’s, death while at Elsyng Palace in 1547.
Queen Elizabeth I visited Elsyng several times during her reign. The remains of
Elsyng Palace lie beneath the ground of Forty Hall Estate.
At the centre of the second row is a design inspired by the coat of arms at the top left
of the stained-glass window on the first-floor landing of the Grand Staircase. It shows
a red, white and blue shield with a green Maltese cross and three white boars set in
an oval frame of yellow, green and pink surmounted by a red boar. The motto ‘A
Stitch In Time’ references the title of the wall hanging.
To the left and right are motifs of stylised flowers; the five-petalled rose, rose buds,
carnations and leaves.
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