fireplace

This fireplace is part of the Brereton Collection which includes handmade bed hangings made in the 19th century by Anna Margaretta Brereton when she was overwhelmed with grief at the death of her only son.

Anna Margaretta Lloyd born in 1756 married her first cousin John Brereton in 1780, moving to his home at Brinton Hall in Norfolk. After her first son died in infancy the birth of her second son John was met with joy and he instantly became the focus of his Mother’s complete devotion. When in April 1800 he died of fever at only 14, Anna was struck prostrate with grief.

The fireplace was on display at Strangers’ Hall in the early 20th century along with the bed hangings.

The fire grate is cast iron with four fire bars curved at their centre point. The grate has cast iron panels decorated with vertical lines of beading, stylised floral motifs and wreaths. It was made in the early 19th century which means it is possible that this fire grate was the one that Anna sat beside while creating her bed hangings.