Episode
Antiques Roadshow: Althorp
Overview
Fiona Bruce and the team visit Althorp in Northamptonshire, once the home of Princess Diana. Among the items under scrutiny are a valuable writing desk found in a coal shed, a sword that fought in the English Civil War, and an important painting that was found on a tip.
Details
- Series
- Antiques Roadshow
- Season
- Season 31
- Episode
- Episode 2
- Air date
- 2008-09-14
- Runtime
- 58 min
Episode context
Althorp is Episode 2 in Series 31 of Antiques Roadshow. It aired on 2008-09-14. The runtime is 58 min.
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Episode 1: Bolton Abbey
The Roadshow team head to the atmospheric ruins of Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire where a rich haul of treasures are brought in by visitors. These include a lambing chair first used 200 years ago by farmers to offer protection against poor weather, a fascinating collection recording the risky life of a First World War aviator, whilst a trinket that's languished unloved for years is recognised to be a magical piece made by Faberge.
Episode 3: Chester
Fiona Bruce and the team head to Chester Cathedral where they are greeted by 2,000 eager visitors waiting in the nave.
Among the treasures under scrutiny are some of the smallest and most valuable pieces of furniture ever to be seen on the show, Elvis memorabilla, and a collection of jewels which were sewn into the hem of a dress and smuggled out of pre-revolution Russia.
More episodes from this season
Episode 4: Chester 2
A busy day inside Chester Cathedral finds Fiona Bruce and the team of specialists hard at work.
Objects examined include a valuable painting which finally sees the light of day after decades spent under a bed, dozens of pairs of intricately carved miniature shoes and a collection of books worth the price of a house.
Episode 5: Ascot
Fiona Bruce introduces a bumper edition with unscreened finds from recent visits to Althorp and Ascot.
Among the objects uncovered are an early English tapestry with a five-figure value, a pile of significant modern paintings saved from a skip, and rare documents recording the rescue of members of the Russian royal family aboard a British battleship at the time of the Russian revolution.
Episode 6: Lanhydrock
Fiona Bruce and the team set up for business in the grounds of Lanhydrock, near Bodmin in Cornwall.
The experts are kept busy with another series of exciting finds, including a gold bangle set with precious stones that was found at the bottom of a water tank. An early Valentine tells the story of an unrequited love affair, while a valuation on a silver cup brings the house down.
Episode 7: Southwell
Fiona Bruce and the team are in Nottinghamshire meeting the people of Southwell in the magnificent Minster.
Objects exciting the experts include a 17th-century love token of a betrothal box which bursts with secret compartments, and a rare haul of silver that has been gathering dust in an attic.
Also, the original speaking clock comes out of retirement.
Episode 8: Southwell 2
Fiona Bruce and the experts gather amidst the beautiful interior of Southwell Minster in Nottinghamshire.
It's a thrilling day for the team as the oldest toy train in the programme's history emerges early on, swiftly followed by a pocket-watch made by Britain's finest watchmaker. But the real show-stopper is a romantic painting with a handsome valuation.
Episode 9: Leeds Castle
Fiona Bruce and the team head for Leeds Castle, near Maidstone in Kent.
Objects exciting the experts include a rare painting illustrating the first air raids over London in World War I and a casket reputedly owned by Anne Boleyn, while a collection of 1,000 tie pins is given a startling valuation. Plus, it proves a memorable day for ceramics expert, Henry Sandon.
Episode 10: Leeds Castle 2
Fiona Bruce and the team of experts return to Leeds Castle in Kent.
Amongst the treasures uncovered are a cannonball shot at the Battle of Trafalgar and a collection of cigarette cards worth a small fortune. Plus, there's a treat in store for Blue Peter fans.
Episode 11: Gateshead
Fiona Bruce and the experts set up for a busy day at The Sage Gateshead.
Objects under scrutiny include a phonograph once owned by Harry Lauder and a tatty tablecloth, claimed by its owner to have been hand illustrated by the artist Francis Bacon. Meanwhile, it takes five men to lift in a piece which is awarded the highest valuation ever seen on the programme.
Episode 12: Bodnant
Fiona Bruce and the team assemble on the lawns of Bodnant Garden in North Wales.
Items exciting the experts include an elaborate tea service made for a maharajah and designs for the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, while a rare bronze depicting the defeat of Native Americans receives a surprising valuation.
Episode 13: Compilation
Fiona Bruce introduces previously unscreened finds from two recent venues: Lanhydrock in Cornwall and Bodnant Garden in North Wales.
Objects uncovered by the experts include a collection of jewellery made for suffragettes, a rare painting rescued from a skip at Sissinghurst, and a fascinating group of photographs recording the Queen's first Christmas broadcast.