



TUDOR HOUSES IN DORSET. 71 



The dresser, livery or service cupboard, was in much request 

 for holding the meats on the way to the tables. It consisted 

 of three stages standing on four legs, with perhaps a drawer for 

 table linen. They were not at first enclosed, but the drinking 

 vessels were hung on hooks, and a ewer and basin provided 

 for cleaning them. 



Later the upper division was enclosed with folding doors 

 and locks, and the panels were replaced by balusters for 

 ventilation. The bedroom livery cupboards were smaller, being 

 used for containing the nightly liveries or rations. 



After 1550 gorgeous cabinets were introduced; but they are 

 now excessively scarce. Chairs became more numerous and 

 comfortable, and were either X or box shaped, or triangular 

 and turned. Mirrors which used to be of steel were now 

 made of glass. Walls were no longer painted in fresco, but 

 decorated with framed pictures of the Holbein school. 



The four-post bed, an object of great family interest, was 

 usually carved and set up by local craftsmen, and ornamented 

 with the arms or initials of the owner. 



The head board above the level of the pillows was 

 elaborately panelled, likewise the frieze and tester or square 

 canopy, as well as the two columns at the foot. (A dated one, 

 of 1593 in the S. Kensington Museum, has been illustrated in 

 Macquoid 76, Litchfield 80 and Hayden 66). 



The truckle bed for the use of the attendant was very low, 

 and could be pushed under the great standing one in the day 

 time; and at the foot of the latter was a coffer or chest to 

 contain valuables and clothing. These chests, sometimes 

 styled linen or dower chests, were in general use in most 

 rooms. The three front panels were richly carved, the ends 

 and lid as a rule plain, a small tray called a till being often 

 lixed inside for trinkets and small objects, and there were 

 sometimes drawers underneath the chest. With the lid down 

 they made useful seats, and with the addition of a back were 

 more restful. 



Small portable boxes for deeds or a bible are often met with. 



