Gothic Revival Oak & Fruitwood Portrait Plaque of Colonel Sir Edward Massey – From Earlier 18th-Century Oak
Overview
A dramatic carved oak and fruitwood wall plaque depicting Colonel Sir Edward Massey, Governor of Gloucester (1642) and later Governor of Sudeley Castle (1644) during the English Civil War.
Made from earlier oak boards (very likely 18th century or earlier) and carved in the 19th century in a Gothic Revival style, it combines genuinely old timber with a documented historical figure, giving real depth, age and atmosphere.
Design
The centre shows a high-relief profile portrait of Massey with flowing hair, curled moustache and a clearly defined breastplate, carved in warm-toned fruitwood that contrasts beautifully with the darker tiger oak surround.
An architectural oak frame evokes battlements and castle walls, with a foliated arch, geometric side uprights, crenellated top and arcaded lower frieze. Around the outer border is the deeply cut inscription:
“
...COLONEL EDWARD MASSEY – GOVERNOUR OF THE CITY OF GLOUCESTER 1642”
with, above in gilt:
“GOVERNOR OF SUDELEY CASTLE 1644”
Beneath the bust hangs a heraldic shield with chevrons and roundels, flanked at the lower corners by vigorous green-man / lion-mask carvings typical of Gothic Revival work.
Historical Note
Edward Massey (c.1619–1674) was a prominent Parliamentarian commander, famous for his defence of Gloucester in 1643, later Governor of Sudeley Castle, wounded at Worcester and imprisoned in the Tower before returning to the Royalist cause. After the Restoration he was knighted and served as MP for Gloucester. This plaque commemorates his role and will appeal to collectors of English Civil War material, early political history and heraldic portraiture.
Collecting Context
The carver is unknown, as is usual for such work, but the style sits firmly within the 19th-century Gothic Revival associated with figures like Sir George Gilbert Scott: romantic historic heads set in architectural niches with heraldry and inscriptions.
This blend of old timber, Gothic detail and a named sitter is exactly what has long attracted oak connoisseurs, from the days of Percy Macquoid and Victor Chinnery to present-day collectors and decorators seeking authentic “country-house” character.
Why It Works So Well
Genuine age: earlier oak boards with old tool marks and deep colour.
Named Civil War figure, not a generic portrait.
Strong decorative presence: almost 70 cm high and about 6 kg.
Rich detailing: fruitwood bust, heraldic shield, masks and gilt lettering.
Ideal above a fireplace, staircase, in a hall, library or study.
Dimensions
Height: 68.3 cm
Width: 52 cm
Depth: 4.5 cm
Weight: just under 6 kg
Provenance
From an overseas private collection and a notable Channel Islands auction house; later in the collection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Offered as an antique decorative carved plaque of Colonel Sir Edward Massey. Buyers should study the photographs and rely on their own judgement.
Condition
An antique decorative panel with honest age and wear, in good, sound, presentable condition. Scuffs, grazes, scratches, small chips and minor losses to some high points are visible, consistent with long display. As expected with old oak, there are age-related splits and slight separations in the timber; these appear stable and add to its character.
The colour shows attractive variation, with old stains, darker areas and a rich patina. The reverse bears evidence of old repairs and later screws used to secure the panel. A hanging wire is fitted; due to the weight, the new owner should check and, if necessary, upgrade wire and wall fixings.
Professionally packed, fully insured worldwide shipping available.
Delivery shipping information
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD ship worldwide, using fully insured and online tracked delivery services like DHL, DPD, Parcelforce or Fedex also the British Shop. We offer Free national Delivery to England mainland, Wales mainland & Scottish lowland mainland areas only.
We offer Free UK mainland delivery only, international shipping to USA, Canada, Europe. All other countries rest of the world please get in touch for a shipping quote.
Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art & Antique pieces which we sell.
We bespoke pack & wrap extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in great as described condition.
For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items which can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approximate. 2-5 working days for the United Kingdom mainland & International delivery between 5-14 working days.
Returns Policy
We offer a 14-day money-back refund policy
(excluding the cost of Postage & Packaging costs & any duties, taxes customs charges paid on buyers behalf or buy the buyer direct ).
CONTACT US:
Please feel free to call us.
We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.
Tel: 07494763382
Outside the UK:
Phone or text: 0044 7494763382
PAYMENT:
Our primary payment method is by (BACS) & International bank wire transfer, we can email you an invoice with our banking details upon request. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance charges and any other customs charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
Internal Reference: 754
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1180921
Dateline of this antique is Victorian
Height is 68.3cm (26.9inches)Width is 52cm (20.5inches)Depth is 4.5cm (1.8inches)
Your credit card is processed securely by Stripe Inc. 
Thank you.
Your comment has been sent to Sellingantiques.