Hamilton Palace - a virtual reconstructionhomepage
linksrediscovering the palacepalace and parksexteriorsinteriorsthe hamilton familythe long gallerytreasures of the palacebuildings in the parkdispersal and demolitionlinks to related sites
  treasures of the palace  
  Lennoxlove Casket by unknown French goldsmith, 15th century  
                 
  Click for Scran Resource
© Lennoxlove House Ltd
 

Formerly held in Hamilton Palace, South Lanarkshire, now at Lennoxlove, East Lothian

This casket, which has been in the Hamilton Collection since the 1670s, is said to have contained the notorious letters that allegedly incriminated Mary, Queen of Scots in the murder of her second husband, Lord Darnley.

About 25.4cm long, 15.2cm wide and 10.1cm high, the casket is made of silver with a thin and now worn layer of gold. The lid has an intricate pattern of vine leaves and small flowers, and the sides are decorated with a pounced design of hunting scenes. There are handles at each side, and a lock and key. At one time, it probably had its own protective leather case. The casket has the mark of an unidentified Parisian goldsmith of the 15th century.

The casket is one of the two most important items of 15th-century French silver in Scotland, the other being the mace of St Salvator’s College, St Andrews University. It is supposed to have been given to Mary, Queen of Scots by her husband Francis II of France.

 
                 
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
  [ related links ]              
    Click for further informationEnamel portrait of Dauphin Francis   Click for further informationPortrait of Mary Queen of Scots    
                 
  Click for further informationInventory of silver plate            
                 
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
linksCopyright informationProject contributorshomepage