A late 16th century bed of estate. The blue hangings are pasemented (decorated) with gold braid.

Description: Beds in the 16th century often had a formal function. The Bed of Estate was an important symbol of the queen. The Bed of Estate was intended to impress those visitors who were important enough to be invited into the royal bedchamber.

The wooden frame was covered with very expensive textiles. The Bed of Estate was also portable. It could be taken down and carried to a different palace or castle.

Next to the Bed of Estate is a matching Canopy and Chair of Estate. We know that Mary had items like these from the written lists of her belongings that survive.

Teleport to see another Canopy of Estate in the Presence Chamber.