This room known as the Chamber Room was created in the 1540s as part of a palatial mansion built from the ruins of a Carthusian monastery. It was embellished around 1570 by the Duke of Norfolk, who inserted a grand fireplace and a lavishly decorated ceiling. The Great Chamber was intended as a room of splendour and prestige. Elizabeth I met her Privy Council here in 1558 before her coronation and both she, and James I were hosted here on many occasions after that. After 1611, when the site became a school and almshouse, the governors held their meetings here. The room you see today has been altered over the centuries, including remodelling after fire damage during the second world war. This has recently been restored by Hesp & Jones, outstanding gilders whom are a pleasure to work with in supplying them with Gold Leaf for spectacular jobs such as these.

To see more of their gilding and conservation work follow them on Instagram @nick_hespandjones

A portrait of The Chamber Room from 1844