Chirk Castle's collection

A look inside the Chirk Cabinet, made of Ebony with tortoiseshell inlays, internal silver mounts with oil paintings on copper, made circa 1640-50, found in Chirk Castle. — Chirk Cabinet at Chirk Castle | © National Trust / Susanne Gronnow

When a family lives in the same place for 400 years they gather a diverse collection of art, furniture and curiosities. At Chirk Castle you can discover more of the treasures that accumulated over the years.

Collection items to see at Chirk Castle

Here are just a few of the treasures housed and cared for by the team at Chirk Castle.

The Kings Cabinet

Traditionally said to have been given by Charles II to Sir Thomas Myddelton II in 1661, in thanks for his role in the Restoration of the monarchy. The cabinet is made of ebony with tortoiseshell inlays, internal silver mounts with oil paintings on copper and is of the Flemish School, 17th century, circa 1640-50.

Myddelton Pedigree

This 35ft long scroll shows the Myddelton family tree from 1670 backwards through the line of Welsh princes and ancient English kings. It was commissioned around 1660 to mark the baronetcy recently granted by King Charles II.

The Japanese Chest awaiting restoration at Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales — The Japanese Chest awaiting restoration at Chirk Castle | © National Trust Images/Paul Highnam

Shagreen Chest

A Japanese chest from c. 1600, with a domed lid covered in shagreen (ray-skin) with panels of lacquer and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The panels show scenes of animals, fruit, birds, trees, flowers and houses. The chest has ornate gilt copper clasps and lock and stands on an English stand.

The chest is thought to have been acquired by Sir Thomas Myddelton I, who made his fortune as a merchant adventurer and was one of the founders of the East India company.

Y Beibl Bach

The most important item in the Chirk Castle library is Sir Thomas Myddelton's copy of Y Beibl Bach. The printing of this popular Welsh edition of the bible, pocket-sized and published in 1630, was partly paid for by Sir Thomas.

Written Welsh

Due to its size and affordability, it’s credited with helping keep the Welsh language alive as it brought the written form of the language into thousands of ordinary Welsh homes.

There are many more of Chirk Castle’s treasures to see on the collections site. Why not explore further and learn more about the items cared for by our team?