Austin Friars Great Hall Tapestry

The tapestry that once covered the blank wall in the Great Hall has been removed, symbolizing Cromwell’s intent to replace it with portraits of past English kings. This act is both practical—aesthetic and symbolic—a declaration of Cromwell’s vision for his legacy and his alignment with the monarchy’s historical narrative. The blank wall serves as a visual metaphor for the political vacuum Cromwell seeks to fill, emphasizing his ambition to shape the future while honoring the past. The removal of the tapestry also creates a sense of anticipation, as the space awaits the installation of the portraits, mirroring Cromwell’s own rise and the potential for his downfall if his political maneuvers fail.

The tapestry, once covering the wall in the Great Hall, has been removed to make way for Cromwell's planned display of portraits of past English kings. Its absence symbolizes Cromwell's ambition to reshape the narrative of English history and assert his own place within it. The blank wall serves as a visual metaphor for the political vacuum Cromwell seeks to fill, as well as the erasure of the old order to make room for his vision. The tapestry's removal is a deliberate act, reflecting Cromwell's strategic mindset and his desire to control the visual and symbolic language of power.