The Marriage Bed of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York

This bed was recently on display in Manchester Cathedral. Although it’s elaborately carved, it’s also surprisingly small. No larger than a standard double.

I imagine the ‘brown’ effect is modern and that originally it would have been painted. This would have brought out the carvings to best advantage.

The marriage bed. Photo copyright Brian Wainwright, 2024.
The elaborately carved bedhead – Photo copyright, Brian Wainwright 2024.
The bed from another angle. Photo copyright Brian Wainwright 2024.

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