Burton Agnes Hall, the Oak Room

Slide 20 – Although the Oak Room is not the largest apartment in the house, it is generally thought to be the most beautiful. The character of the paneling is both rich and unusual, there being in each compartment an octagon with a plain cross above, and below, while the twisted floral pattern, and there is excellent conventional work in the cornices. The mantle-piece has Corinthian columns freely treated, placed as if to support the roof, and between them is a singular allegorical carving. The ceiling has an unusual pattern of honey suckle, conventionally but vigorously modeled, and which is contemporary with the period in which the Hall was built, viz July 1610, which is the date carved on the woodwork frieze in the room. The elaboration is of a kind almost to defy description, but the picture will show the very remarkable character of the place.