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Overmantel from a fireplace at Cromarty Castle, the Black Isle

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Overmantel from a fireplace at Cromarty Castle, the Black Isle
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Overmantels were panels situated in the wall above a fireplace. This carved sandstone example comes from Cromarty Castle in the Black Isle. It dates from 17th century.

The overmantel bears the arms and initials of Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty supported by elaborate heraldry. The motto at the foot of the arms reads: 'Meane Weil Speak Weil And Doe Weil'.

Sir Thomas Urquhart was an author, translator of Rabelais, and inventor of a universal language. As a laird, he became involved in the civil war of the 17th century and was imprisoned in London as a Royalist in 1651. He died in exile in two years later.

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