The most famous bed in the world? | The Great Bed of Ware | V&A

[@michellebyrom6551]

Big enough that four couples can sleep comfortably. We forget that in past times bedsharing was commonplace. A far cry from the private rooms with en suite facilities expected by travellers today.

[@L.M1792]

And people were of course much smaller then, so far more bodies could be put on the one mattress. Those were extremely economical times.

[@L.M1792]

@@mutestingray The entire methodical logic reeks of extortion.

[@toomanymarys7355]

@@mutestingray Nonsense. Puritans practiced bundling courtships.

[@Violet-h2e]

The curtains are to keep body heat inside and no heating so yea everyone probably did sleep in the same bed just to keep the cold out.

[@Max_Flashheart]

I like big beds and I cannot lie.

[@johnnyfavorite1194]

You other slumberers can’t deny.

[@Vin8185]

I hate single beds.... How can someone sleep on them 🤣

[@JayMillyPowerKingdom]

Lol biggi approves

[@jerrystandecker9101]

Lol stop it

[@jeanross7430]

😀😂

[@ClarkABennett]

I find it very interesting how the museum's reaction to the graffiti has changed over time and wonder how the bed's contemporaries viewed the graffiti. Historical museum pieces can sometimes, when too perfect, seem lost in time and disconnected from their own histories. On the other hand, this bed proudly bears its scars and tells the story of the people who enjoyed spending the night underneath its sheets.

[@Rejoin_2023]

That's true, I wonder if our modern day graffiti will be just as interesting in 100 years time?

[@dragondawn420]

@@Rejoin_2023 Yes, it will - because it's a reflection of our society, the kind of thing that usually is ephemeral and so scholars of the future will study to get a sense of early 21st century life.

[@Person1865]

​@Rejoin_2023 it's interesting now, but people dismiss it because it's associated with low income areas and not considered "real" art.

[@laurabuche5191]

I'm from Argentina and I have had the chance to visit the museum (and the bed) twice, and it's really impressive in its size. Thank you for showing it in such a comprehensive way. Stay safe, I hope someday soon to visit again.

[@L.M1792]

It's possible 3 times might be overdoing it.

[@laurabuche5191]

@@L.M1792 nah.... I'm a fast walker

[@L.M1792]

@@laurabuche5191 Nice to meet you I'm a slow learner, though thorough.

[@MM-ep6fy]

Did u sleep in it?

[@jesussaves1875]

It took me 2 weeks (visiting every day) to see all I could see in the Museums in London - with one day left I had planned to visit the Victoria Albert (albeit 1 day I knew would not be enough) - but my feet had just become too painful (my soles felt bruised and took a further 2 weeks to heal) - I must have walked at least 100km in that time, if not more. I spent all day from opening time to closing time wandering through those long halls and exhibition rooms... and to this day is one of my fondest memories of London. And sad I couldn't make it - that is of my regrets, so I enjoyed this video thoroughly (I am from Africa).

[@vamuseum]

For those wondering what the exact size of the bed is, the dimensions are: 267cm high, 326cm wide, and 338cm deep!

[@junn805]

‎

[@snakewithapen5489]

For any of my confused 'Muricans: 8.8 feet high, 10.7 feet wide, and 11.1 feet long (rounded up from tenths place)

[@ricardoafonso7563]

thank you

[@murdermygymsox]

That’s like two queen size beds! Amazing!

[@audi4444player]

thank you, It's hard to tell the size in the video, it's actually huge

[@pingandkvam]

I wanted to add a second comment, this one for the V&A, members and staff. The V&A is one of the most outstanding museums, my family and I have visited. Over 42 countries and countless of museums, the V&A really stands out. The collections are massive, well kept, interesting and the whole museum can not be viewed in a single visit. For someone like myself and any history loving person, the V&A is a must see destination in one's lifetime.

[@surajts7806]

And it's free! Which is amazing

[@magicknight13]

Wow you are quite a traveler!! Goals! Many wishes of happiness and peace towards you

[@OoOoOo-we3dn]

This man's speaking rhythm and accentuation are amazing, he takes spaces very seriously.

[@EmRePhoto]

Imagine hitting your knee on one of those bed stay poles in the middle of the night.

[@mattmusgrove143]

I WOULD RATHER STEP ON A LEGO.

[@crazyloon3537]

@@mattmusgrove143 i wouldn't go that far but pretty close!

[@xfairyjadex]

Or hitting your pinky toe😭

[@oltedders]

How would that even be possible? As you're falling out of the bed?

[@pingandkvam]

In 2018, we visited the V&A and I was in awe of the bed. When you stand before its massive dark wooden well warn frame, you experience a part of wonder of all those who were in the bed; and your desire to experience it for yourself. Very proud that the V&A has this, restored it, and is now a shared treasure for all to see.

[@MicaRayan]

It looks so fluffy.... with the pandemic and everyone is staying at home, this might comes off as handy and useful neccesity!

[@muhatasimalam8698]

Never run a blue light on that bed.

[@Chana12345]

Nooooooo

[@junn805]

Bruh moment

[@sapienmanas0735]

why

[@socc9600]

Why??

[@Rubiecat]

@@socc9600 body fluids

[@SideShowAli]

The graffiti is the best part of this fantastic exhibit!!

[@trilobiteterror8015]

I'd imagine someone is working on deciphering and researching the graffiti. Who knows which famous/interesting individuals may have scratched their names etc. in that bed over the years.

[@OrdinaryThings]

YOOO, shout-out the Great Bed of Ware! I love this thing. It's lit. 🔥 🔥 🔥 😎 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@DystopiaWithoutNeons]

How am I the first to find you here?

[@MalloryKnox.]

I am also a fan of the Great Bed of Ware

[@dbacks2023-]

Just came here after your bed video haha

[@kathysemrau2301]

To see an everyday object, in this case a bed; in it's early stages is important. How we sleep is how, we lived in past lives. This bed gives us a peek at the past. Can you imagine your whole family sleeping together on this bed? I can. My Dad would be snoring. My mom would be yelling at him. My sister would be hogging the space. I would have kicked my brother off the bed. Also l would have most of the covers. Beds tell so much about us as a society. Thank you for keeping this bed in the public eye. Thank you V&A Museum.🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝

[@kathysemrau2301]

This is such a lovely bed, the colors are awesome too. Thank you for highlighting my comment. Stay safe. 🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖🍀🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚💜💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚

[@mfollett3613]

What a really amazing bed this is. It measures 10' x 11'. If is almost theatrical. What a wonderful piece of late Tudor history.

[@tootmysteamboat2887]

Another extraordinary bed that is personally my favorite, is the bed of Mark Twain. He had it imported from Italy, I believe. Of course, it's not as big and grand as this bed. However, the old carvings on the bed posts, headboard and frame are remarkable. I believe they are angels that are carved into it. I could possibly be wrong. I've only seen it once, years ago when I toured Mark Twain's house. I remember being in awe at how beautiful and pristine a piece of furniture could be. Especially one with such history. His house was designed based on victorian goth, the outside as well as the inside. The inside is so dark and eerie but gosh, it's breath taking! The tiles, bricks, and wood, extremely gothic and dark but stunning! Oprah and Alex Trebec (RIP) would stay at the house from time to time, considering they are huge fans of Mark Twain. I always wondered if they had the pleasure of sleeping in his bed when they would stay over night there. I believe the jade green tiles that make up the fire place are made from Tiffany. There was also a door made from Tiffany that led to the common room. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see the door because it was traveling the world, being on display at a Tiffany expo. Anyhow, if anyone ever comes to Connecticut, the Mark Twain house is a place you MUST visit. It's apparently haunted as well. Staff members tell stories from their own experiences and it's been featured in many paranormal books of New England. It's actually considered one of the most haunted places in CT. During Halloween they give ghost tours which is something I've been dying to attend but tickets are limited and get sold out so quickly. 💀👻

[@harmonymitcham2857]

It looks nice because its in a museum could you imagine how gross and dirty those things would have been back then with the hygiene of that period, plus it was probably full of fleas and other nasties, and all those bodies together what did he say 4 couples🤢

[@Shay45]

I know right. I am sketchy of modern hotel room beds. I couldn't even imagine back then

[@TheAdekrijger]

No you are confusing the low average hygiene standerds of commoners of that time with elites who had servants to constantly clean and refresh everything.

[@mb2770]

Please just google the daily tasks made by servants. It wasn’t as dirty as a person would think it was. There is a very interesting book on that subject by historian Bill Bryson- At Home: A Short History of Private Life

[@elvirajameson3753]

@@TheAdekrijger Those rich silks, 100% cottons and heavy tafetas did NOT dry quick enough (it takes ages to air dry tafeta & silk properly without damage). Even the rich only had about 7 to 12 outfits. They simply couldn't wash and dry quick enough to be able to change their clothes frequently in order to stay hygienic. They stunk and that's the truth.

[@mb2770]

@@elvirajameson3753 Ages to air dry silk and cotton? I’m air drying my clothes right now and it takes a few hours. Maybe a day if it’s blankets and stuff like that. And silk dries the fastest.

[@beth5529]

1:10 something about him saying that stone cold is hilarious

[@janedoe805]

Did you mean mischief?

[@littlefox8352]

I giggled at 6:41 ...

[@damianknight8064]

you brought that piece of history to life

[@Vardagaladhiel]

This was fascinating!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Wonderful video. Thank you for creating it. Love the bed though not the mattress!

[@lone-welf]

i could listen to him all day.

[@annavanpelt827]

I like it. It’s luxurious with lots of comfort and space.

[@adokkoon]

Thank to wonerful introduction piece by piece from V&A that made me realised what I missed and put in my list what to see in the next visit. Also the choice of words are so educational for non-native speaker. I learnt a lot. Thank you.

[@Daihatsu_Hijet]

Spectacular on every level! Thank You!

[@margo3367]

Lord Byron would emphasize the sexual connotations of the bed. Where in Dickens is it mentioned? In the letters or the novels? I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you!

[@kenc2257]

Charles Dickens' "The Holly Tree" [also known as "The Holly-Tree Inn"--it's available online, at no cost. Note that Dickens probably did not write the entire story himself.]

[@londonbabe2467]

The V & A ( Victoria and Albert ) Museum is one of Englands finest treasures and right next door you have The Science Museum and Natural History Museum. Well worth a day’s visit.

[@darcyspratt]

What a great way to bring this to life! Also loved the pithy vocab lol!

[@taraelizabethdensley9475]

Looks very cosy and beautiful

[@ezragonzalez8936]

the graffiti is what gives it its rudeness charm and charisma! lol glad they dint decide to "restore" it by removing it!

[@MuzikMan2014]

That seems very comfortable, I'd also give it a try. 😂

[@juniorsir9521]

The bed is so beautiful. It’s the kind of bed I would want in my imaginary opulent mansion/palace.

[@mutestingray]

You a freak.

[@lebkha]

Interesting history/ story this bed has.

[@juliahartshorn2473]

A replica of the bed, complete with painted surfaces would be a nice addition to this episode, be it wood, or computer generated detailed imaging.

[@WomanNextDoor]

Seeing 450+yr old graffiti always tickles me.

[@doloresboston8571]

Uhhhhh bedbugs attach themselves to anything, everything and everyone, linen, nightgowns and the bed itself. Anyone who slept in that bed would then carry around with them (packed in luggage) whatever had attached itself to them. Hence the nickname (for the bug) “hitchhiker”.

[@gmoo84]

That is why I fear bedbugs

[@susantunbridge4612]

If you live in Alberta, as I do, and you've got bedbugs, (not a huge problem, dry and cold) , if the temps drop down to -30C, just throw everything outside, and the cold will kill them. Needs a couple of days. We just got through a cold snap with -36C, but I've got no bedbugs. And, there are dogs trained to sniff them out, in the UK

[@TheTonialadd]

If that bed could talk! Maybe it’s best it doesn’t...🙀

[@soledadarriagada7486]

Más que una cama es una verdadera obra de arte

[@sallys4474]

I could live in that bed

[@katarinadicamella]

Even if all its former occupants come visit you at night?

[@mutestingray]

@@katarinadicamella that would be one of the wildest parties ever.

[@RobertsAdra]

4:44 The way he says "graffiti" that first time is like he can't spit out the world fast enough out of his mouth. LOL

[@josef596]

I walked past this place a few years ago. I wish I went in now.

[@SuperTuffgirl]

Such beautiful craftsmanship and it looks so comfortable.

[@salnellen1381]

Funny that I'm watching this video at bedtime in my own 200 year old bed.

[@victorianka_artist]

nice to have such history at home

[@susanbrown2909]

Hope you changed the sheets in all that time.

[@bplatonova]

Really

[@mysterym444]

Cool

[@raynemichelle2996]

Hope you changed the mattress in all that time, never mind the sheets

[@natabugg1e]

god. what i would do to have a bed like that. its so cozy and comforting

[@thepearlswirl]

I’m in bed watching this. Yes, my bed is jealous.

[@acey850]

I've seen this bed it is enormous. Wish it was lighted better.

[@ВоваВова-ч9ы2м]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@mojosbigsticks]

I saw it when it came home to Ware. Amazing piece.

[@Faeriehood]

Bed, fabulous....but let’s talk about his tie and where I can find more information on the maker 🙏🤩🥳

[@JaffaCakeGecko]

So what is the overall size of the sleeping area, is there a standard mattress size that it can be compared against?

[@vamuseum]

Explore the Collections can tell you a bit more about the dimensions: collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O9138/great-bed-of-ware-bed-vredeman-de-vries/E

[@Dlt814]

If my very rough calculations are correct it’s the size of two Queen beds plus 8” wide with 7” shy of another Queen bed laid horizontally at the bottom. The technical term is humongous.

[@athenathegreatandpowerful6365]

I just looked it up and compared it to modern bed sizes. The bed itself is approximately the width of 2 normal full size mattresses so, given the size of the posters, a bit wider than a California King for sleeping area.

[@sanapinon]

It’s the size of my bedroom 😂😂

[@cedeelbe]

2160p? I wasn't aware it could go that high.

[@kaycwtchmahoney2940]

I’d love to read all them graffiti marks it’s so unique

[@rin9290]

Not gonna lie that looks soooo comfyy

[@starcrib]

A busting celebrity- ! who could have ever imagined during the Elizabethan period- that this bustling, romping, sexy night world of survival era furniture would be in a museum for all the world to speculate on its imagined vast scale memory. FANTASTIC. 🌐✒🛏✒🌐

[@nancytestani1470]

Wow, this is amazing…

[@kathleenpackard5542]

The bed layers sound comfortable

[@dottygirl6973]

Love this bed, its epic

[@steelman86]

I think the fabulously carved wooden gothic bed at Ludwigs Neuschwanstein castle is one of the most fabulous beds I’ve ever seen. It took many carvers many years to finish! The matching room paneling etc. was another many years to carve.

[@nozyspy4967]

The graffiti is one of the most important things about this, since it records all those people who existed who otherwise would have been forgotten by time.

[@crazycatcarnt]

The most fabulous bed in the world!

[@annazaman9657]

Beautiful

[@t1621]

Best is.... take a thick soft mattress... Spread it on a clean floor... Take two soft pillows... Switch on your AC and sleep peacefully 😊😊

[@janedoe805]

*3:18 Oak Bed Stays” to keep the covers from slipping? I thought it was there in case you had a whack an intruder upside the head. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@horseheadkid]

i wanna move into that bed and live in it forever

[@THALASA]

British museums be like ahh yes we display the largest bed from a Brothel of the middle ages,

[@jesussaves1875]

From 5:03 - another notch in the bedpost - I wonder which Casanova was responsible for those

[@katarinadicamella]

It is fascinating to hear stories like this but I don't think I would sleep in that bed even giving the chance... just a bit too creepy😬

[@avival66]

Yes and Depresing

[@vijaykumarShah88]

It is very common in India & Nepal. still, we can see in Some old houses.

[@sapienmanas0735]

yea even i have one, 150yrs old

[@kar3n35]

Thay bed is beautifull. I like how it has cortains you can close. Reallu confie an cousy.😻😻😻😻😻

[@amsteensberg1653]

What is the name of the short sticks ? Bedstays? Bed steads?

[@acsin1125]

When he gestured with the bed stays... I am so weak.

[@huntress_9441]

Not a huge fan of the Ronald McDonald curtains

[@vamuseum]

Can't unsee it now

[@CarreiraAllison]

ahahahahaahah

[@Zorocanify]

@@vamuseum 😂

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

Tina Burner has entered the chat.

[@cecilyerker]

Sir Ronald McDonald to you!

[@Mr_Web]

FORGET ABOUT THE BED 👉 0:19 *his tie* is what intrigues me the most --- it's *all frayed at the bottom* what's that about 😂🤔😜

[@astrothsknot]

when did people start sleeping flat rather than sitting up and why did it change? I've not found anything to say about this.

[@magnumtrooper17]

BeWARE, I heard anyone who sleeps in this bed becomes a WAREwolf!

[@lastdays9163]

I was expecting Tracy Emin's bed. Now, that's a famous bed.

[@pyewackett5]

We are in desperate need of beauty in these dark times. Please concentrate on such things - your glorious collections .

[@auroradarienzo]

simply divine

[@NebulousWhisp]

I've been to the V&A several times but don't remember this bed! I don't think I've properly explored all the departments. I spent too long in the jewellery gallery every time.

[@stuartashbourne-martin9629]

It was actually based in the museum in Hertfordshire till about 3 years ago as I seen it and I come from it is now been completely restored but obviously not with the original drapes when I have a commentators suggested it look like curtains from McDonald's 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 he's right it does beautiful bed but I think the drapes make it look horrible and garish

[@NebulousWhisp]

@@stuartashbourne-martin9629 that would explain why I don't remember it. I actually kinda like the drapes. I mean not for my house but with all that dark wood I think the yellow and red are give authentic medieval realness.

[@marthaross6301]

I remember the bed without the curtains in the V&A in the entire 1980’s. I was at the museum weekly attending gallery lectures

[@callumsmith9756]

The province of this artifact is beautiful

[@cartiluver1]

its midnight and I should be asleep rn... I don't even know how I ended up here

[@namename2139]

@4:12 the presenter uses a word for circular patterns geeosh? Gioche? Geoche? Would love to learn how to spell it! Any ideas anyone?

[@emanonfox1709]

Guilloche - an interlaced round decoration, loosely. A repeated circular design.

[@emanonfox1709]

related: the term Guilloché means a similar way of making a pattern though it is usually reserved for fine metalwork under enamel, think of the fine lacy/spiderwebby patterns in Russian Faberge enamels, for example

[@namename2139]

Oh this is brilliant, thank you very much for taking the time. Definitely a word to keep in my repertoire!

[@cecilyerker]

I love when smart people come through in the comments.

[@emanonfox1709]

@@cecilyerker if you've ever played with a Spirograph, you are creating a guilloche pattern. It's also what the intricate pattern in the background of US dollar bill notes is called. Cheers!

[@JavedAnsari-nz9vv]

Good Job I like it bro

[@L.M1792]

Was Charles the first murdered in this bed? Though I distinctly remember his bed being sat in far poorer surroundings when he moved on up north. Kind regards LM

[@GillBJack58]

Charles I wasn't murdered as such. He lost the civil war and was beheaded in Whitehall.

[@L.M1792]

@@GillBJack58 Ah yes, good old legitimisation, a very distorted thing, especially when reliant solely upon funding.

[@judylynnlau450]

How do you bring this to historical show and tell with a straight face?

[@jfaul_7823]

This sounds like a Dr. Seuss piece Where or where is the Great Bed of Ware? It is not here by this hare, nor here by this chair. Over there I say! Over there is the Great Bed of Ware - With all its sheets and linens made from sheep's hair. Beware o' beware the Great Bed of Ware nasty biting bugs make it their lair.

[@manjuskitchen6951]

Clearly you can see Indian architect in this wooden carve..🙏bcoz my grandpa have the same bed in our home and we are using till now

[@elkixpin]

Made me think of Tracey Emin and her works "My Bed" and "Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963-1995".

[@enricociuppa7093]

thank you

[@audreyh6628]

The V&A is so committed to the posterity and pride in British objects - I hope it can apply this same sentiment to other cultures and people's and return their precious artefacts that were stolen or acquired by other nefarious means

[@ClementinesCoins]

no

[@ballet_classics]

Obviously if is gryffindor’s house

[@midwestmatcha]

I was looking for this comment!

[@commercio3564]

Pretty cool

[@lauradarnallterry5464]

Wow what a great bed ....

[@adsmith364]

Canopy beds are the only beds I have in my house and this bed would be a dream to have!!!!

[@gregoryambres1897]

Those bed-stays would have a very modern purpose, as well

[@jasmina.8473]

Ha!

[@Shay45]

I MUST have a this bed in my bedroom NOW!!

[@fridaywed1745]

Looks like a Gryffindor bed ❤️

[@raynemichelle2996]

Imagine thinking that bringing your own sheets will vanquish bed bugs.

[@cecilyerker]

It’s truly better than nothing at all. At the very least you’re protecting yourself from other peoples body soil. Still a problem in hotel rooms today!

[@joannietrotter2344]

I think the graffiti & seals are brilliant.