Bridgerton's backdrop 'comes alive' after refurb

11 hours ago

News image — Some of the rooms at Belton House have been used for TV dramas

Getty Images A large historic stone mansion with tall sash windows, ornate architectural detailing and multiple chimneys, set against a dramatic cloudy sky. The building features a central entrance with steps leading up to it, flanked by symmetrical wings. A gravel path curves across the neatly kept lawn in the foreground. — Some of the rooms at Belton House have been used for TV dramas

A Grade I listed stately house used to film dramas including Bridgerton and Pride & Prejudice has reopened following conservation work.

Belton House, near Grantham, Lincolnshire, closed at the start of January for the installation of new lighting and heating system, as well as a deep clean of all the rooms including the chapel, the red drawing room and the breakfast room.

The National Trust property was the backdrop for the BBC's 1995 series of Pride & Prejudice – starring Colin Firth – and more recently Netflix's Bridgerton Queen Charlotte.

Jennie Johns, the collections and house manager at Belton House, said staff had been working very hard "bringing to life pieces in the collection".

BBC/Rachel Royce A woman is unpacking delicate china while kneeling on the floor of an ornate, traditionally decorated room with patterned red-and-gold carpet and antique furniture. She is reaching into a large clear plastic storage box surrounded by wrapped items and neatly arranged teacups, saucers and plates. There are gold-framed furnishings, draped curtains and decorative side tables in the background. — Part of the conservation work includes redisplaying collections

Belton House, which contains art and porcelain collections, was built between 1685 and 1687.

It was home to the Brownlow family dynasty who lived at the property for more than 300 years, until 1984.

The historic house is surrounded by 1,300 acres (530 hectares) of parkland made up of ponds and woodlands, occupied by deer and sheep.

Part of the conservation work includes redisplaying collections and fitting a new carpet in the breakfast room.

BBC/Rachel Royce An ornate historic room featuring large wall tapestries depicting detailed landscape scenes with trees and figures. A polished wooden grand piano stands in the centre foreground on an intricately patterned rug. Against one wall is a carved white fireplace with decorative urns on the mantel and a framed portrait above it. The wood‑panelled walls, high ceiling with plaster detailing and classical furniture create a richly decorated period interior. — Two new exhibitions are due to open later this month

"We want to be able to share this special place with people but we must also balance that with the need to protect it from damage and exposure," said Johns.

"The team have been hugely busy working on a number of conservation projects during the closure period, too, and we're now excited for visitors to see the results of this hard work."

The estate will also see the opening of two new exhibitions at the house later this month, including a display of 98 hand-painted steel butterflies entitled The Garden of Hope. It focuses on mental health and suicide awareness, and has been created by schools and community groups in Lincolnshire.

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