The Library Wind Porch

An unusual feature of the Library at Montacute House is the ornate wind porch, seen in the photograph on the left. This was designed to prevent cold draughts entering the room, and was probably originally installed at the entrance to the Parlour on the ground floor.

The Latin inscription above the door reads "Hoc Age" meaning "Do This", and may reflect the way that Edward Phelips, the original owner of the house, expected people to repsond to his legal judgments!

The small chest that can be seen on the right of the doorway is Spanish and dates from circa 1600. It is made of oak with iron straps, and rests on a wrought iron trestle stand. It was intended for the storage of important papers.