3-011-914 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Chateau of Chenonceaux, Touraine, formerly inhabited by Catherine De Medicis and Mary Stuart, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by Mr. Campion, of Tenby. 'The Chateau of Chenonceaux...is built on a solid stone foundation of nine arches across the River Cher, which flows through the domain; and the grand entrance is approached by an ornamental bridge, which replaces the portcullis and drawbridge of ancient times. This mansion is considered one of the most perfect and beautiful specimens now extant of the old French chateau[x], as regards both its external architecture and internal decoration. It is not only replete with much historical interest - having belonged to Francis I, Diana de Poitiers, Catherine de Medicis, and Mary Stuart - but much of the interior remains in the same state as when occupied by its Royal possessors. The unfortunate Queen of Scots passed her youthful widowhood here, and in her boudoir the chair in which she sat, as well as the furniture of her oratory, retains the funereal emblems affixed at her death'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.