Acton Court in Iron Acton opens to the public

Acton Court, in Iron Acton, is open for 60 days until August 23 for guided tours and a programme of special events.

Lisa Kopper, resident artist and manager of the house, said: "We are open every day except Monday and when special events are planned so people can just turn up for tours or call us to make sure."

The house offers rare examples of 16th century royal décor as the west wing was added in 1535 to welcome the king and his second wife Anne Boleyn.

It was lavishly decorated to show that the owners of Acton Court, the Poyntz family, were loyal to the king. Henry’s own en suite garderobe is still on public display.

This year, the whole family is being invited to explore the history of Acton Court during the Hungerford Household weekend on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 (10.30am-4.30pm).

Re-enactments will see everyone from servants to gentry preparing for the King’s visit as they go about their business of preparing food, crafts and entertainment.

Lisa said: "It is going to be a lot of fun. There will be lots of things to do with something for all the family."

Other special events taking place throughout the summer include: - Sunday, June 28 (3pm) The King’s Throne, a talk by Linda Hall on the architectural history of Acton Court.

- Thursday, June 25, Wednesday, July 8, Friday, July 17 and Wednesday, July 22 (7.30pm) Owl prowls with broadcaster Chris Sperring. Suitable for children aged seven and over.

- Sunday, July 12 (3pm) Nature Crunch, a talk by renowned environmentalist and author Satish Kumar. - Friday, August 14, Sunday, August 16 and Tuesday, August 18 (8pm) Candlelit tours with Lady Joan, the wife of Nicholas Poyntz shows visitors around her home in this series of historical tours.

- Sunday, August 23 (3pm) the Harp of Bones with Joglaresa, a repertoire of timeless English songs from the 14th to 16th centuries For a full list of events or more information visit www.actoncourt.com or call 01454 228224.