By Royal Command

Monday 2 September 2024 marks 450 years since Queen Elizabeth I and her vast entourage visited Longleat House.

To mark the occasion, the famous Tudor monarch – also known as former House guide Sarah-Jane Worrall – returned to showcase our current exhibition on the visit.

Having gained a love of history while working at Longleat, Sarah-Jane now plays Elizabeth I and other historical figures at heritage sites across the country with Time Will Tell Theatre.

In 1574 Longleat House was still being built when the Queen insisted on visiting during one of her famous summer ‘progresses’ around her kingdom.

Her host, Sir John Thynne, had served as comptroller of Elizabeth’s household when she was a princess, and the monarch was determined to see the extraordinary house that he was building on his Wiltshire estate.
The visit was hailed a success despite initial resistance from Sir John, whose descendant, the 8th Marquess of Bath, calls Longleat home today.

“The Great Hall is Longleat’s only surviving Elizabethan interior and would have been the focus of celebrations during the Queen’s visit here exactly 450 years ago. It’s been fun to welcome ‘Her Majesty’ back for the anniversary of this important day,” says curator James Ford.

“As well as following in Elizabeth I’s footsteps, until 3 November visitors can see original documents connected to the historic visit, one of which includes her signature on a letter sent to Sir John while she was still a princess.”

Also included in the exhibition are sumptuous costumes worn by Dame Helen Mirren, Cate Blanchett and Anita Dobson in classic portrayals of Elizabeth I on the big and small screen.

The important anniversary will also be marked during The Festival of Light at Longleat with Elizabeth I featuring as one of the many lanterns at the iconic event which this year has the theme Journey through time.