Green Velvet Chasuble
The family at Traquair were well known for their adherence to the Catholic faith which stemmed from the time when Anne Seton, wife of the 2nd Earl of Traquair, persuaded her husband to return to the “true faith” as he lay on his deathbed in 1654.
The house holds a large collection of priests’ vestments from the 17th and 18th centuries. This vestment is of particular interest as although it was made up in the 19th century it has applied metal embroidery that is dated around 1500.
Throughout the Reformation the family continued to practise their faith which was prohibited and a priest often lived with the family doubling up as a tutor for the children. He lived in a small room at the top of the house which acted as a chapel as well as his living quarters. A secret escape route behind a book case can be found in the corner of the room. This leads on to the original turnpike stone stairs and provided a quick exit if required.
The Catholic Emancipation Act was passed in 1829 allowing Catholics to worship freely. At Traquair, a billiard room in one of the wings of the house was transformed into a Chapel. It is possible that Lady Louisa Stuart ordered this vestment to celebrate the opening of the Traquair Chapel in 1834.