A miniature forest of decorated Christmas trees has sprung up in the Elizabethan stately home illustrating its rich history.
Highlights include a tree in the Lower Dining Room showcasing the native wildlife found on the Wiltshire estate in the form of hand-felted decorations, through to an Elizabeth I themed tree in the Great Hall marking the 450th anniversary of the monarch’s visit.
There are also decorations inspired by animals from the Safari Park on a magnificent tree at the bottom of the Grand Staircase, while in the Music Room ornaments take musical notes and traditional instruments as their cue.
Like to snuggle up with a good page-turner at Christmas In the Red Library stands a tree constructed from 500 vintage second-hand books.
The showstopper is a 24-foot (7.5 m) home-grown tree in the Great Hall, giving guests the wow factor the moment they enter, says curator James Ford.
“The House would have been decorated with natural foliage at Christmas as far back as the Elizabethan period, but Christmas trees are first recorded at Longleat in the late-Victorian era,” he said.
“Nothing evokes the festive season like a country house dressed for Christmas – it’s such magical atmosphere.”
The Christmas tree was introduced to the UK by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort.
The Longleat House team has also linked in with nearby Horningsham Primary School, with pupils creating 1940s-style decorations to mark the 75th anniversary of Longleat first opening to the public.
The Great Hall tree was grown at Longleat and nurtured and pruned as a Christmas tree to obtain the classic form inspired by Victorian fashions, head forester Jim McConkie explains.
“They grow approximately a foot a year (30 cm). We grow them in a field which started many years ago just for Christmas trees but as time has gone by, we have found that oaks, willows and birches are naturally seeding there.
“Over time this field is slowly transitioning into a diverse woodland environment that we are encouraging for the future.”
This year’s tree is a Nordmann fir as it has good needle retention which increases the length of time the tree can be displayed indoors.
The Christmas décor can be seen as part of a House tour during The Festival of Light which runs until 5 January. House tours can be booked online with the Festival’s ticket or, subject to availability, via Guest Services on site on the day.