Backing Monarchy through a Fireback

William Drummond was hanged in 1676 for his participation in Bacon’s Rebellion against Virginia’s government. Yet, as shown by an object displayed in Jamestown Settlement’s “Reign & Rebellion” special exhibition, Drummond and his family appear to have been royalists—supporters of the English government.

The object is a fireback, a cast-iron panel used at the back of the hearth to protect the fireplace wall and to reflect heat into a room.

The Drummond fireback is only a fragment, but we know from an intact example dated 1674 at Chequers, the country estate of Britain’s prime minister, that its design depicts King Charles II on horseback trampling Oliver Cromwell underfoot.

The iconography is based on a statue erected in Stocks Market, London in 1672. Robert Vyner, goldsmith to the king and ever intent on ingratiating himself to the monarch, purchased the unfinished statue in Italy. Originally the monument was to the commander of the Polish armies Jan Sobieski and depicted him riding his horse over the figure of a Turk. Vyner paid an English sculptor to alter the faces of Sobieski and the Turk to resemble King Charles II and

Oliver Cromwell respectively. If you look carefully, you will see that Cromwell still wears a Turkish-style turban!

The statue was highly unpopular and finally removed in 1739. It now stands overlooking the car park for Newby Hall in North Yorkshire. One wonders if the Drummonds realized how disliked the statue was when they ordered their fireback showing support for the king.

—Bly Straube, Ph.D., FSA, Senior Curator

A Satirical Response to the Statue

But a market, as some say, doth fit the King well, Who the Parliament too — and revenue doth sell; And others, to make the similitude hold. Say his Majesty too — is oft purchased and sold.

Andrew

Marvell, “On the Statue at Stocks–Market,” 1670s