Our exhibition in 2011 was a sequel to that of the previous year. In 2010 the 'Looking Back at The Leicesters' exhibition concentrated on the lives and personalities of the generations of the Earls of Leicester. We therefore felt it only befitting to introduce the women behind these influential men, from the 16th century, through to those associated with Holkham today, and the 'Wives and Daughters' exhibition was created. Archival footage, photographs and press cuttings, one-to-one interviews brought together to tell a fascinating tale on the women who have helped shape Holkham's history.

The exhibition was enhanced by a magnificent display of family wedding dresses belonging to Viscountess Coke, Lady Anne Glenconner and Lady Laura Paul. A further two evening dresses were displayed; a Charleston dress belonging to the 4th Earl's wife, Marion Trefusis, and a bejewelled evening dress belonging to the 5th Earl's daughter, Lady Anne Coke.

Click here to view a PDF showing the information panels displayed during the exhibition.

The display of wedding dresses captured a great deal of media interest:

BBC Radio Norfolk
On April 11th 2011,Viscount Coke and Lady Glenconner, eldest daughter of the 5th Earl of Leicester, were interviewed by BBC Radio Norfolk's Thordis Frederickson.

Courtesy of BBC Radio Norfolk. Copyright BBC Radio Norfolk.

BBC Look East
On April 15th 2011, Lady Anne Glenconner, eldest daughter of the 5th Earl of Leicester, was interviewed by BBC Look East's Mike Liggins.