A finely engraved and attractive early 19th century view of Mortimer’s Hole, Nottingham Castle, Nottinghamshire which was drawn and engraved by Thomas Allom and R. Sands, respectively, and published in T. Noble and T. Rose’s The Counties of Chester, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Rutland, & Lincoln Illustrated. (London: 1836/37).
Mortimer’s Hole is a subterranean passage of considerable length and capacity that runs under Nottingham Castle. It was here in 1330 (as the engraving depicts) that a young Edward III, with the help of some loyal companions led by William Montagu, staged a coup d’etat against his mother, Isabella of France and her lover, Roger Mortimer. Both were acting as Regents during Edward’s minority following the murder of his father, Edward II at Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire in 1327. William Montagu and his companions, were accompanied by William Eland, castellan and overseer of Mortimer’s castle, who knew the location of a secret tunnel which would take them up to a locked door higher up in the castle to a normally locked door. In the dark of night on 19 October 1330, Montagu and his companions entered the tunnel, climbed up to the door, which had now been unlocked either by Edward III or a trusted servant, overpowered Mortimer, killing Mortimer’s personal guards. Mortimer was bound and gagged, led out of the tunnel and arrested, along with Queen Mother Isabella. Mortimer was sent to the Tower of London and was executed a month later whereas Isabella was forced into retirement at Castle Rising, Norfolk. With this dramatic event, the personal reign of Edward began (Souce: Wikipedia)
- This is an original steel engraving with later hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 15.5cms by 11.2cms (including title & imprint).
- The engraving is in very good condition with decent margins. Click on image for a better view.
- The item comes displayed in a ready to frame acid free mount.
- Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs.
- Guaranteed to be over 175 years old.
