The Dudley Box

This beautiful box was made in 1579 for Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and Elizabeth I's favourite. It's original purpose was to contain sweetmeats. Robert Dudley's personal crest is on the inside of the lid and it is believed to have been a present - possibly for New Year since sweetmeat was a common present at this time of year.
The box is made of iron and has been decorated with a special technique known as "damascening" - the silver and gold ribbons would have been mixed with the iron.