Antiques Roadshow UK Season 39 Episode 17 Pembroke Castle 1

Antiques Roadshow UK season 39 episode 17 takes us to one of Wales' most iconic historical sites: Pembroke Castle. The show's team of expert appraisers heads to this medieval fortress where visitors bring in their prized possessions hoping to find out their true worth and history.

First up is Fiona Bruce, the show's presenter, who meets a family who believes that a small axe they found on the castle grounds could be a genuine Viking artifact. While the item is only worth a couple of hundred pounds, it is a reminder of the castle's long and fascinating history of Norse invasions, Anglo-Norman conquests, and Welsh rebellions.

Meanwhile, silver expert Alastair Dickenson meets a lady who has brought in a pair of silver candlesticks that she believes belonged to one of the castle's former residents. Alastair examines the intricacy of the design and hallmarks before revealing that the candlesticks have an interesting connection to one of Britain's most famous naval heroes.

Works of art expert Grant Ford inspects a painting that is rumored to be a long-lost masterpiece by J.M.W. Turner. The owner believes that the painting was acquired by one of her ancestors during a tour of Wales in the late 18th century. Grant takes a closer look at the painting's style, composition, and signature before revealing whether it is indeed a valuable artwork by the famous painter.

Elsewhere, militaria specialist Mark Smith meets a lady who has inherited a collection of World War II memorabilia from her grandfather who served in the Welsh Guards. Among the items are a troop map, a pair of boots, and a gas mask that was worn during the D-Day landings. Mark delves into the personal stories behind these items, revealing the harrowing experiences of the soldiers who fought in the devastating conflicts of the 1940s.

Finally, jewelry expert John Benjamin meets a couple who have brought in a diamond necklace that was inherited from the lady's mother. The necklace is set with a large, rare blue diamond that is believed to have originated from the Kimberley mines in South Africa. John examines the gemstone's cut, clarity, and color before revealing whether it is worth the staggering amount the couple is hoping for.

The episode also features some fascinating glimpses of life inside Pembroke Castle, including footage of vintage weapons demonstrations, medieval enactments, and glimpses of the castle's priceless artifacts and architecture. As always, Antiques Roadshow UK season 39 episode 17 is a fascinating look into the lives and histories of ordinary people and their extraordinary possessions.