Object Descriptions from Centering Spenser
Title
Object Descriptions from Centering Spenser
Subject
Objects
Source
Centering Spenser, Dr. Thomas Herron, ECU
Collection Items
Weaponry
Spenser was known for his experience in several wars. His reputation in this regard helped secure him the nomination of Sheriff of Cork soon before his death. The Munster planters were responsible, in part, for their own security, including supplying…
Long darts
These long darts, or throwing spears with finger-loops, resemble those used by the native Irish and are modeled on the weapon held by English Captain Tom Lee in the portrait (c. 1590s) by Marcus Gheeraerts (Tate Gallery, London). In John Derricke’s…
Irish elk antlers
The prehistoric great Irish elk was long extinct by Spenser’s time, but its bones and magnificent antlers would have been found preserved in bogs. Examples can be found today, mounted as trophies, in many Irish castles and…
Quilted jack, a.k.a. "checklaton"
![Quilted jack, a.k.a. "checklaton"](http://collections.ecu.edu/files/square_thumbnails/25/826/Jack.jpg "Quilted jack, a.k.a. "checklaton"")
Spenser was known for his experience in several wars. His reputation in this regard helped secure him the nomination of Sheriff of Cork soon before his death. The Munster planters were responsible, in part, for their own security, including supplying…
Woodcut of St George
The only woodcut to be published in the 1590 and 1596 editions of The Faerie Queene is this woodcut of St George, which appeared facing the opening of Book II. It had been used by the printer of The Faerie Queene, John Wolfe, in earlier publications.…
Helmet, Spanish
When the great Spanish Armada was defeated by the English and blown away from the English Channel in 1588, many of its ships sailed homeward by first travelling north, rounding Scotland and Ireland, then travelling out into the open Atlantic on their…
Desk, with paper, pen and ink, and books (includingThe Faerie Queene)
This desk, with various papers on and around it, indicates Spenser’s life as a creative writer. In the Ground Floor Parlor of the castle complex is another desk. That area functions as Spenser’s “office” for administrative writing.
Both desks are…
Bookshelves
It is unclear how large of a library Spenser had. Like the “Library” of Eumnestes in The Faerie Queene (II.ix.59.3), it may have been large and full of worm-holes, or small and well-cared for, or anywhere in between. It is hard to imagine Spenser…
Privy a.k.a garderobe or toilet
Archaeological remains from Spenser’s privy indicate an ample and healthy diet enjoyed by his household, including various game and high-quality wheat.
Moss could have served for wiping. Waste would have fallen down a two-story chute, exiting out…
Raleigh's window
Remains of this south-facing, ogee-headed window still exist in the wall of the tower house. For a contemporary picture from the castle exterior.
The view from the window would be of the marsh adjacent to the castle. The window is dubbed “Raleigh’s…
Collection Tree
- Object Descriptions from Centering Spenser