A RELIC FROM THE SHIP OF PRINCE HENRY'S BAPTISM
LATE 16TH CENTURY
Auction: Day 1: Wednesday 20 August - Lots 1 - 296
Description
formed as a circular box, with pull-off lid; accompanied by a letter "To Lieut. *** Edwr Alexander, 16th January, From *** Helen Graham, Stirling Castle/ part of the ship used at the Baptism Prince Henry, Son of James VI, which was introduced into the Chapel Royal containing musicians, sweetmeats, savoury viands where *** to delectify the palate of the gallants flair *** there ***" (2)
Dimensions
3.2cm diameter
Footnote
In 1594, Stirling Castle hosted the baptism of Prince Henry Frederick, the eldest son of James VI/ I and Anne of Denmark. It was to be one the grandest Royal pageants of Scottish history. As the accompanying note suggests, there were musicians, food and entertainment, not least an impressive ship, of which this relic is purported to be a part. The poet William Fowler, documented the events in detail in “A True Reportarie of the Most Triumphant, and Royal Accomplishment of the Baptisme of … Prince, Frederik Henry”. A new Chapel Royal was constructed for the baptism and prior to his baptism Prince Henry was presented as a young hero, his bed was laid with golden tapestries decorated with the triumphs of Hercules.
A huge banquet followed the baptism, where the ship took centre stage. From reports, the ship was eighteen feet long and was painted with the Stuart colours and adorned with ‘the riches of the seas’, including shells, coral and pearls. A gilded crystal glass holding a range of seafood delicacies including oysters, herrings, clams and crabs adorned the ship, along with sugar delights.
Henry was raised at the court in London which, thanks to his mother Anne, was full of culture, music and art. He received an advanced Classical education. Unfortunately, his health was never that strong and, to national mourning, he died aged 18, possibly from typhoid fever.