The Corbet Family Mirror.

A Superb George II carved giltwood mirror made for the Corbet Family of Shropshire  In the 1740’s. Most probably for Moreton Corbet Hall.

Bearing the family crest of an elephant with castle atop above a finely detailed rectangular frame, with foliage, rockery, and scrolls. The mirror unusually with both oil and water gilding, much of which is original.

There is no doubt that this is a long-established crest borne by a family of Corbet or Corbett. It is recorded in the form of a trick (a pen and ink drawing, with the tinctures indicated by letters) together with a quarterly shield for Sir Richard Corbet of Moreton Corbet, co. Shropshire in his funeral certificate of 1606 (Coll Arm MS. I.16 p. 234). The same crest, again with a quarterly shield, is painted at the head of a pedigree of Corbet recorded for Sir Andrew Corbet of Moreton Corbet at the Heralds’ Visitation of Shropshire made in 1623 (Coll Arm MS. C.20 p. 85). The Corbet’s had numerous houses in Shropshire, including Acton Reynald Hall to which they moved to from Moreton Corbet.

The Corbet family of Moreton Corbet Hall in Shropshire, England, has a notable history spanning several centuries.  The family is an ancient English noble family with roots dating back to the Norman Conquest. They acquired the Moreton Corbet estate in the 12th century and constructed Moreton Corbet Hall as their ancestral seat. The hall is a medieval fortified manor house located near the village of Moreton Corbet.

Moreton Corbet Hall is renowned for its unique blend of architectural styles, combining elements of medieval, Elizabethan, and Jacobean design. The building includes a 13th-century tower, a 16th-century Tudor wing, and a 17th-century Jacobean addition. The hall’s picturesque ruins also add to its charm and historical appeal. The Corbet family played a significant role in the local and national history of England. They were influential landowners, holding prominent positions in society and serving as knights, sheriffs, and members of Parliament. Some notable members of the family include Sir Robert Corbet, who fought in the Hundred Years’ War, and Sir Andrew Corbet, a Parliamentarian during the English Civil War. The Corbet’s of Moreton Corbet Hall were known for their involvement in politics, military affairs, and cultural pursuits. They were patrons of the arts, contributing to the development and preservation of literature, architecture, and the visual arts.

Over the centuries, the Corbet family faced various challenges, including financial difficulties and the impact of conflicts such as the English Civil War. However, they managed to retain ownership of Moreton Corbet Hall until the 20th century when the property was sold to the National Trust.