Royal artefacts on display at stately home

Painting of King Charles IImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

King Charles I was kept prisoner at Holdenby House for five months after his defeat at the hands of Oliver Cromwell in the civil war

  • Published

An exhibition showcasing historical royal artefacts has gone on show at a stately home in Northamptonshire, to celebrate the anniversary of King Charles' coronation.

Holdenby House, external, in Northampton, is hosting the "11 Monarchs & Holdenby" exhibition showcasing its regal connections through the centuries.

Items with royal links on display include an Elizabethan bible, the 420-year-old deed that gave Holdenby over to the Royal Family, and a tree that George VI planted.

James Lowther, the current owner Holdenby House, said "many significant historic moments" happened at the house.

Image caption,

James Lowther owns Holdenby House says the exhibition is a "homage" to the royal family

Holdenby House has lots of historical links to the Royal Family.

It was built in 1583 to entertain Queen Elizabeth I and owned by James I.

King Charles I was kept prisoner there for five months after his defeat at the hands of Oliver Cromwell in the civil war.

Image source, Holdenby House
Image caption,

The display encapsulates more than 400 years' worth of history and royal links to Holdenby House

Mr Lowther said he wanted visitors to realise that Holdenby has "played a part in history and with the monarchy for over 400 years".

He added the display was a "homage to the Royal Family".

Image caption,

The house was completed in 1583 by Sir Christopher Hatton

The exhibition - previously called 10 Monarchs & Holdenby - was last shown at Holdenby House in 2022 for the Queens Platinum Jubilee.

Kerrie Bate, the business manager of the venue said the house was "full of history"

The venue will hold the open days between 11:00 and 16:00 GMT on 5-6 May.

Image caption,

The display has several items from the Civil War in collection

Follow East of England news on Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830