The Southeast Bedroom


On the west wall is a 17th century Flemish tapestry showing a Roman battle scene. Opposite is a portrait of Henrietta 4th Baroness Braye with her dog, Princie. The water colours on either side of the fireplace are of Sir Reginald Braye and of Prince Arthur, eldest son of Henry VII and older brother of Henry VIII, to whom Sir Reginald was a Tutor and Guardian, copied from a stained-glass window in Malvern Priory. The portrait over the fireplace is of Doctor Usher, Primate of All Ireland, who saved the Book of Kells from destruction. The 18th century Dutch marquetry cupboard has an inlay including ivory and the lovely English marquetry chest of drawers opposite is William and Mary.

The four-poster bed with its woollen hangings, is Victorian and the embroidered silk bedspread, is Indian and late 18th century. The ivory crucifix once belonged to Napoleon’s uncle, Cardinal Fesch and the prie-dieu is Italian.

The Bachelor’s Room

This small dressing-room, deemed by the family to be suitable only for bachelors because it is so dark, has a 17th Century Flemish tapestry on the East wall. Opposite hangs the portrait of Penelope Cave, daughter of the 3rd Baronet and the historical portrait next to the door is of Mary Queen of Scots.

The Bachelor’s Room

The East Staircase


This was the original staircase which presents a full-length portrait of Alfred, fifth Lord Braye, with his wife Cecilia, who inherited Stanford unexpectedly in 1879 following the deaths, in one year, of his Aunt Maria, his mother Henrietta and his brother Edmund, killed in the Zulu War. Positioned at the bottom of the stairs are further portraits of Alfred in Parliamentary robes, Edmund in his 17th Lancers uniform and a portrait of their father, Henry Wyatt Edgell.