Sea Dog Table


The Sea Dog Table is one of the treasures of Hardwick Hall like the Eglantine Table. It is a very elaborately carved table of around 1600. It has acquired some interesting historical anecdotes concerning the Cavendish family. There are doubtful stories that it may have been a possession of Queen Elizabeth I or Mary Queen of Scots, but it may well have been made after both of these were dead. It is regarded as one of the most important examples of 16th century furniture in Britain.
The table is made of inlaid walnut. The 'sea dogs' of its name are four mythical chimera that support the table top above the stretcher.