Ep 11. Knebworth House 2

Antiques Roadshow UK season 23 episode 11 takes us to Knebworth House for the second time. This historic house has a rich and fascinating history, having been passed down through generations of the Lytton family since the 15th century. It has witnessed the English Civil War, hosted Queen Elizabeth II and been the site of legendary concerts by Led Zeppelin, Oasis and The Rolling Stones.

As always, the Antiques Roadshow experts are on hand to evaluate the treasures brought in by members of the public. Among the items under scrutiny in this episode are a Rolex watch that belonged to one of the Rolling Stones, a collection of rare blue and white Delft tiles, a vintage Victorian dollhouse and a unique sketch by the artist Paul Nash.

We also learn about the history of Knebworth House itself and the Lytton family who have owned it for centuries. Fiona Bruce, the show's presenter, meets with members of the family to hear their personal stories and see some of the remarkable artefacts that have been passed down through the generations.

One of the standout items of the episode is a Victorian silver and enamel brooch, brought in by a woman who inherited it from her grandmother. The brooch features a delicate painting of a young girl in a garden, surrounded by floral garlands. The expert is immediately struck by the quality of the enamelwork and identifies it as the work of a renowned Victorian enameller called Frederick James Partridge. He explains that Partridge was a sought-after artist during the late 19th century and his pieces are highly prized by collectors today. The owner is delighted to learn that her brooch could be worth several thousand pounds.

Another fascinating item of the episode is a rare and unusual table clock, brought in by a man who found it in his attic. The clock is made from wood and features intricate gilt metal mounts, including a lion's head and a figure of Atlas holding up the world. The expert explains that the clock dates back to the early 18th century and is likely to have been made in Germany or Austria. He is particularly impressed by the intricate mechanical movement, which includes a striking mechanism that chimes on the hour and half-hour. The owner is amazed to discover that his dusty attic find could be worth as much as $15,000.

Throughout the episode, we get glimpses into other fascinating stories from Knebworth's past. We hear about the Lytton family's involvement in the Victorian spiritualist movement, and meet a woman who inherited some intriguing spirit photographs taken in the house during the early 20th century. We also learn about the wartime heroics of the current owner's grandmother, Constance Lytton, who was a suffragette and was imprisoned and force-fed for her activism.

As always, the Antiques Roadshow experts are respectful, informative and entertaining. We learn not just about the monetary value of the items brought in, but also their history, craftsmanship and cultural significance. The show provides a fascinating insight into the rich tapestry of British history and the treasures that lie hidden in the attics and cupboards of ordinary people. Antiques Roadshow UK season 23 episode 11 is a must-watch for history buffs, art lovers and anyone with an interest in the fascinating world of antique collecting.