How do I use a monks bench?

The hinged back of a monks bench folds forward over the arm supports to create a flat table surface. When lifted upright, it forms the backrest of a compact hall seat with a storage box underneath. This dual function makes them practical for small entryways where a permanent table would obstruct movement.

Are these benches comfortable?

Original oak benches were built for utility and posture rather than lounging. They feature upright wooden backs and solid seats designed for brief seating in halls or at tables. Adding loose cushions or pads is a common modern adjustment for prolonged sitting.

How do I distinguish seventeenth century from revival pieces?

Seventeenth-century pieces display hand-cut joinery, pegged joints, and timber surfaces shaped by centuries of wear and oxidation. Revival pieces from the Victorian and Edwardian eras often use machine-sawn elements and standardised fixings. Examining the underside and interior boards reveals tool marks and construction methods characteristic of different periods.

What is a box settle?

A box settle incorporates a compartment beneath the seat accessed via a lift-up lid or panel. Historic households utilised this enclosed space to store blankets, boots, or dry goods. The high back and enclosed base also provided shelter from cold draughts near doors.

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Jacobean Oak Bench

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A jacobean oak bench brings substantial timber and deep regional character straight into a hallway, taking the form of a settle, a monks bench or a joint stool.