The Best Chamber, Tredegar House, Newport, 17th century [image 1 of 2]

Description

Built as part of the new 17th century house, the Best Chamber was a bed chamber reserved for the most important guests. It has the best aspect of the bedrooms, occupying a corner position with windows on two walls and overlooking the approach to the house with the fabulous Edney Gates on one side and parkland on the other.

The house was constructed with no corridors, as was the custom at the time. Access to all of the rooms was gained through other rooms. This room, therefore, was situated at the end of a succession of bedrooms and antechambers, so that the 'best guest' was not disturbed by the movement of other people. The corridor that now runs alongside the bedrooms was added in Victorian times, when privacy became more valued.