Longleat has opened a rare window into its past with the launch of ‘Capturing Christmas at Longleat’, a new exhibition that showcases almost 100-year-old family cine film footage. The display, running in Longleat House until 4 January 2026, offers visitors a glimpse of Christmas as it unfolded within the estate nearly a century ago.
At the heart of the exhibition is a set of remarkable 1930s cine reels filmed by Henry Thynne, Lord Weymouth – later the 6th Marquess of Bath. Shot in the Red Library in December 1930, the footage captures the warmth and playfulness of a family Christmas gathering: shared jokes, spirited competition and the unmistakable ease of relatives enjoying the season together.
Among the guests is Violet Dickinson, a close family friend and the inspiration behind three short stories by Virginia Woolf, recently discovered in Longleat’s archives.
“Seeing this footage opens a rare window into the past,” said Dr James Ford, Curator at Longleat. “Although there is no sound, you can almost hear the clink of glasses, the jaunty music and the laughter. Christmas is a time of belonging and joy, and this film captures that beautifully. Visitors may well recognise echoes of their own families in these scenes.”
Alongside the film, the exhibition brings together original drawings, photographs and historical artefacts that chart how Christmas has been celebrated at Longleat from the late 19th century through to the end of the Second World War.
Longleat House has long played a role far beyond that of a private residence. Among the stories highlighted is the sight of schoolgirls from The Royal School skating across a frozen Half Mile Pond in 1940, and the transformation of the House into a First World War military relief hospital, its wards adorned for Christmas.
“Longleat has such a rich and storied past,” added Dr Ford. “We’re inviting visitors to uncover these moments and reflect on festive seasons gone by.”
Other exhibition features include charming Victorian Christmas illustrations by Ronald Searle and Cecil Beaton, created to accompany stories of Longleat life written in 1951 by Daphne, Marchioness of Bath.
‘Capturing Christmas at Longleat’ is part of the estate’s Festive Longleat House Tours, available as an add-on during The Festival of Light. With some peak dates already selling out, visitors are encouraged to book online early via the Longleat website.
