Created in around 1620, these tapestries were likely once part of a much larger set of textile hangings. It is not known how or when the tapestries came to be at Doddington, but it is thought that the Hussey family, had them hung at some point during their occupation in the seventeenth century.

The hanging tapestries depict ‘Scenes from Rural Life’ and ‘The Trojan Wars’. Though they appear luxurious, the hangings are in fact rare survivors of the cheaper, “off-the-peg” tapestries produced during this period. Finer examples were generally better cared for and have survived in far greater numbers.

When later owner John Delaval refurbished Doddington in 1762, he had the tapestries cut up and nailed to the walls in three of the bedrooms. By this point, the tapestries were already 150 years old, so it is believed they were part of a fascinating early example of a ‘retro’ or antiquarian decorative scheme. Reusing them in this would have saved money on decorating – and helped to keep the bedrooms warm.

When they were removed from their original position, they were cut to fit the rooms they now hang in – much like wallpaper. If you look closely, you can spot areas where parts of the scenes don’t quite align. Some of the original offcuts have since been salvaged and are now displayed in the Hall.

The tapestries remained in the bedrooms until 2010, until an ambitious conservation programme was launched by the Doddington Hall Conservation Charity in collaboration with the University of Lincoln.