Bracken, —, London(?), u (1778). Immediately put in charge of the hasty refurnishing of Thorndon Hall by Lord Petre for the visit of George III in October 1778, first proposed by the King on 22 September. Lord Petre's summary account of the visit describes the rooms ‘entirely new furnished’, including the King's Dressing Room furnished with ‘Green Damask, large glasses, Gild chairs, Lustres’; the Bedchamber with furniture of ‘Red and White Damask, the Bed of the same which was made in every respect as to beding the same as their Majestys at Buckenham House. The Tables, commodes and every other piece of furniture made use of in the above apartment were all new. To this may be added great number of beds Tables & commodes for other apartments & fifty damask stools, for the company to sit on who had the honour of dining with the King and Queen. Their Majestys only being seated on chairs …’. The accounts, including food and new silver, totalled £1,001 7s 2d. [Essex RO, D/DP F322/2–37A]