us for these "hallings" or "salles." All the
specimens mentioned in the catalogue of tapestries exhibited at
Brussels in 1880, are said to be from thence. But we see no reason why
it should not have been an English style of weaving also. The first
establishment of a permanent manufactory in England, did not, however,
take place until the latter end of the reign of Henry VIII., when
Robert Sheldon "allowed" his manor-house at Barcheston, in
Warwickshire, to "one Hicks," whom he signalizes in his will as "the
author and beginner of all tapestry of Arras in England." This will is
dated 1576.[419]

[Illustration: SUMMER
English Tapestry, Temp. Henry VIII. at Hatfield]

There are four pieces of tapestry representing the Seasons, removed
from an old family house and placed by Lord Salisbury at Hatfield
House, where they hang in the great corridor. These were probably
woven in Barcheston. (Plate 49.) The style is English Renaissance, and
the design full of intention; in fact, they have the seal of the time
of Henry VIII. Only one characteristic reminds one of Flemish art,
and that is the mode of drawing the plants and flowers, which might
have been taken out of an old German herbal. The landscapes and
peasantry are unmistakably English. The pictures are worked with
strong black outlines which emphasize every detail and give the effect
of a highly coloured outlined engraving; reminding one of the
children's books by Marcus Ward or by Walter Crane.[420]

The tapestries called the "Spanish Armada hangings" were probably
woven here late in Elizabeth's reign. In her time we find in
catalogues of household goods, descriptions of splendid hangings,
furnishings of palaces and private houses. The MS. inventory of the
Earl of Leicester's belongings, in the library at Longleat, astonishes
us with the abundance of suites of hangings of tapestry that it
enumerates, as well as those embroidered by hand, and others of
stamped and painted leather.

It was in the reign of James I. that the manufacture was set up at
Mortlake, in Surrey. Aubrey, in his "History of Surrey, i. p. 82,"
however, dates the institution in the subsequent reign; but Lloyd[421]
is not only positive for the former date, but affirms it was "of the
motion of King James himself," who gave L2000 towards the undertaking;
and we have further proofs extant that he spent largely, and
encouraged it in every way. He gave to Sir Francis Crane, who erected
the house at Mo