ITEMS from one of Salisbury’s most historic houses are due to go on sale at the end of the month.
Contents of Malmesbury House, in the Cathedral Close, will go on auction with Sotheby’s of Bond Street, London, on October 31 and November 11.
The lots up for sale include items dating back to the 17th century, when the house was leased by the Harris family, who were music and art lovers.
King Charles II visited the house to escape from the plague in London in 1665, and would address the people of Salisbury from the house’s oriel window, where his coat of arms is still displayed.
Baroque composer George Frideric Handel regularly visited and performed for friends, and is said to have given his first English concert in Malmesbury House’s music room.
Malmesbury House, built in 1416, was previously owned by former Conservative MP John Cordle.
Lots for sale include furniture, tapestries, models, paintings, musical instruments and a set of 19th century dog collars.
Among the listed items are a decorated sedan chair from the late 18th century, estimated to reach £6,000, a bust of the Apollo Belvedere estimated to reach £7,000 and an Edwardian painted Mahogany bed set to reach £8,000.
Former owner George Apter, who sold the house earlier this year and ran a business hiring out film and TV props, said he and his wife Jane had “loved being in the house with all its beautiful antiques and objects”.
Items from the house have been used in television and film productions, including James Bond and Harry Potter.
Mr Apter said: “We much appreciated living in a friendly atmosphered Cathedral Close and we were sad to leave this beautiful house. Every item is something special.”
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