The Admiralty collection was inspired by the second Earl Spencer, appointed 1st Lord of the Admiralty in 1795. George John's first slice of luck was to succeed the unpopular Lord Chatham. Of longer term importance to him and to the Royal Navy, he was also deeply fortunate to have at his dispos-al during his tenure of the post some of the greatest sea commanders of British History: Lord St Vincent, Lord Duncan who conquered the Dutch squadron under Admiral de Winter and Lord Nelson. The latterwho was destined to become Britain's great-est naval hero. The collection is dignified by its finely cast crossed brass sabres. THE ADMIRALTY COLLECTION 89

The Patchwork collection was inspired by the Patchwork Bedroom which was created by Charlotte, Countess Spencerand her sis-ter. Today this room is the first of a suite of state chambers and known as the Ante-room. THE PATCHWORK COLLECTION 89