Antiques show at the Castle

This weekend, viewers of BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow will see historic Hillsborough Castle become the first location to mark the opening of the show’s 35th year.

The special programme will be marked by a visit from Her Majesty The Queen.

Independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, who took over the operational running of Hillsborough Castle from the Northern Ireland Office in April 2014, invited the BBC inside the Castle and its 98 acres of beautiful gardens to enjoy unique access for a televisual feast of art and antiques.

Two and a half thousand visitors from across Northern Ireland came in June this year to enjoy the grounds and have their family heirlooms exapined by an expert eye.

Despite the wet weather spirits were not dampened, and the visit proved a great success in a stunning setting.

The BBC specialists, along with presenter Fiona Bruce, were privileged to meet with Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who were staying in Hillsborough Castle during their visit to Northern Ireland. The Royal couple enjoyed uncovering some of the many historical treasures of the Castle.

The episode will be broadcast this Sunday, September 14 at 8pm on BBC One.

Hillsborough Castle was built in the late 18th century by Wills Hill, First Marquis of Downshire, and was the principal seat in Ireland of the Marquesses of Downshire for over 200 years, until it passed into public ownership in the 1920s.

It holds a unique place in the history of Northern Ireland having served as a venue for both the formal and informal stages of the Peace Process.

It remains the official royal residence of Her Majesty The Queen in Northern Ireland and residence for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

As well as continuing this important role, the aim at Hillsborough Castle under the management of Historic Royal Palaces is to increase public access, improve the visitor experience and open up the estate for the benefit of the whole community, while securing a sustainable financial future.

This project will also bring significant benefits to the Northern Ireland economy, bringing investment and creating new jobs as well as more opportunities for educational and community programmes at the Castle.

Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace,Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle.

It aims to help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built.

Historic Royal Palaces raises all its own funds and depends on the support of its visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk

Guided tours of Hillsborough Castle run from April 5 to September 28 every weekend (closed on Bank Holidays including

Easter Sunday.) Tours take place on Saturday: 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30; Sunday: 12:30, 14:00, 15:30 and from Monday to Friday: 12:30 and 14:00=

Hillsborough Castle Gardens are open daily from 10:30 to 17:00 from April 5 – September 28, but closed on Bank Holidays. Garden tours are available (minimum tour 20 people).

To book, please call 028 9268 1300 or email [email protected]