Grimsthorpe’s Jubilee exhibition

Visit Grimsthorpe Castle from now until 29 August, to catch their special exhibition celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee! The exhibition is entitled ‘The Crowning Glory: 400 Years of fashioning kingship’.

Visitors will be treated to exceptional items of coronation costume and furnishings from Grimsthorpe’s historic collection, which are displayed together for the first time along with associated images and portraits.

From seventeenth-century ceremonies to the crowning of Elizabeth II in 1953, the exhibition follows the key role of the Willoughby de Eresby family through 400 years of English coronations, by looking at traditions of splendour and spectacle, and exploring themes of power, loyalty, lineage, and memory.

‘We are thrilled to be staging this unique exhibition and revealing how these exceptional coronations became a part of the Grimsthorpe story.’ says Grimsthorpe’s Curator Emma Miller. ‘Visitors will experience royal history first-hand and may be surprised to find how the images and traditions of coronations are ingrained in our memories!’

The items on display are brought to life by associated paintings, prints and photographs, revealing their original context in the dazzling theatrical pageant of the coronation ceremony.

Amongst the exceptional objects on display is an exact replica of the lavish costume worn by George IV at his coronation in 1821, as well as his throne and canopy. The highlight of the exhibition is the Norman Hartnell dress and headdress worn by Lady Jane Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby as Maid of Honour to Elizabeth II in 1953.

The exhibition will be held within the Castle and accessible on standard open days. Entry is included in a Castle, Park & Gardens ticket, which is free for Historic Houses members.