Overmantel from a fireplace at Cromarty Castle, the Black Isle

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.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-000-368-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.KG 96
Date:	1651 17th century
Material:	Stone
Dimensions:	830 mm H x 1510 mm W x 90 mm D
What:	Overmantel, fireplace
Subject:	Stone sculptures, carvings (NMAS Classification)
Who:	Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty
Where:	Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Black Isle, Cromarty Castle
Event:
Description:	Carved overmantel from the fireplace of the hall of Cromarty Castle, dated 1651, bearing the arms and initials of Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty
References:
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