flower image : Take a mystical tour and explore house’s secrets

Inspired by the Da Vinci Code, Chiswick House is launching a new tour which examines the mystical symbolism behind its art and architecture.

Designed to reflect the interest in symbolism generated by the best-selling book, The Da Vince Code, the film of which is scheduled for release next month, the English Heritage secret symbolism tour explores the secrets behind Masonic symbols and beliefs.

A masterpiece of neo-classical architecture, Chiswick House was designed in the 18th century by the third Earl of Burlington who was inspired by the classical villas of ancient Rome.

Traditionally thought to have been built as a home for entertaining, recent findings suggest the villa may have had a secondary function as an early Masonic lodge.

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Investigations began 17 years ago when two local residents took an interest in the house and the history of the Burlington family. Powerful Masonic symbols and clues have since been revealed in ceiling paintings, in the unusual geometric proportions of the villa and in the blue and red colour scheme.

Ricky Pound, visitor operations site supervisor at Chiswick House, explained: "Those that have read the Da Vinci Code will recognise that the Red Velvet Room has many parallels with the Royal Arch Masonry that appears in the book the numerous images of roses, which are a symbol of secrecy, suggest that anything discussed in this room should remain a secret.

"In fact there are many flower images throughout Chiswick House , such as fleur-de-lys, Scottish thistles, sunflowers and pomegranate fruits, which all have strong Jacobite connections and indicate the secret loyalties of Burlington at that time.

"Once you start looking, you begin to realise there is level upon level of symbolic meanings and it is only by seeing it for yourself that you begin to understand Burlington's conception for the real purpose of Chiswick House."

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