Britain’s Oldest Bed: A Glimpse into the Elizabethan Era 😲😲

Britain’s oldest bed, a resilient oak four-poster, has withstood the passage of time since the Elizabethan period. This remarkable piece of history is the sole surviving piece of furniture from Salford's Ordsall Hall, originally crafted in the 1570s for Sir John Radclyffe and Lady Anne Asshawe.

The bed mysteriously vanished around 1650 during a change in ownership at the Hall, and for nearly 300 years, its whereabouts were unknown. It eventually resurfaced in the home of a resident in Whalley Range, Manchester, though how it ended up there remains a mystery. In the mid-20th century, it was sold in pieces to settle the owner's death duties.

In 1968, the bed’s fate changed when Dr. Chris Douglas, a dedicated collector of medieval and Tudor furniture, meticulously restored it to its original grandeur. Today, it stands as a testament to Britain’s rich history, having survived centuries of change and intrigue.

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