Highclere Castle history festival marks 100 years since discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb by Egyptologist Howard Carter and his patron the fifth Earl of Carnarvon

Hundreds of visitors flocked to the grounds of Highclere Castle earlier this month to take part in a special history festival.

The event, which took place on on October 7 and 8, marked 100 years since Egyptologist Howard Carter and his patron the fifth Earl of Carnarvon formally opened the burial chamber within the tomb of Tutankhamun.

The eighth and current Earl of Carnarvon is the fifth Earl’s great-grandson, and he and his wife staged the festival to give castle visitors a taste of life in 1923.

As well as tours of the Egyptian exhibition in the 17th Century country house, the weekend also included a history of flight tent detailing Geoffrey de Havailland’s first flight from Highclere in 1910.

There were two history talks, the first by The Countess of Carnarvon and the other by renowned Egyptologist Joann Fletcher, an honorary visiting professor in the department of archaeology at the University of York.

Two camels were on view in front of the castle as well as living history re-enactors, a vintage car display, costume displays and a look-a-like Winston Churchill.

Punters were also taught how to dance in the 1920’s style by the renowned Gatsby Girls.

A Highclere Castle spokesperson said: “It was a huge success, the event sold out and we were blessed with excellent weather.

“There were many children present which was fantastic to see and they were able to learn about the discovery of Tutankhamun and they were able to dig for gold coins in the sand, stroke the two camels on the lawn, Max and Cleo, and listen to talks and take part in mummification workshops.

“We also welcomed back Professor Joann Fletcher who conducted two hugely interesting talks on Egyptology, with one covering Tutankhamun’s wardrobe.”