Burton Agnes Hall, the Entrance Hall

Slide 11 – Having viewed the exterior, let us now enter this ancestral home by the southern porch. The true note of the place is struck when we enter the Entrance Hall, and find a richness of carving, and an elaboration of effect which is quite unusual. The chimney-piece of stone and marble is truly a wonderful work, coupled Ionic columns support a very elaborate carved panel, which represents the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, and, below, the five senses. Above the carving are three armorial panels, and a pediment completes the design, with the arms and quarterings of the Boyntons on a shield in the middle, and the whole of the work being of exceeding richness. On each side of the chimney-piece hang the recently painted portraits of Mr & Mrs Wickham Boynton, the present owners.