In pictures: Medieval palace at Knole awarded £8m grant
- Published
The medieval palace at Knole has been awarded nearly £8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund for repairs and conservation.
The 15th Century mansion and former hunting lodge to Henry VIII in Sevenoaks, Kent, is set to get new visitor facilities and have previously unseen rooms opened.
The National Trust, which runs the property, said the £7.75m funding would also safeguard historic artefacts including fragile furniture for future generations.
The artefacts include the 17th Century Knole settee, a solid silver table and a Royal "stool of easement" - an early type of toilet.
Since acquiring Knole in 1946, the National Trust said it had faced expensive battles with rain, damp, mould and insects.
But the funding means the future of the mansion and treasures are now secure, the trust added.