The exhibition Oak Matters, which will run in The Great Chamber at the Tudor manor house from September 6, features early English Oak carvings from Lord and Lady Edward Manners’ private collection.
The couple and their sons, who previously lived in another property on the estate, moved into the house in 2016. Lord Manners inherited Haddon in 1999 on the death of his father the 10th Duke of Rutland.
The medieval sculptures have never been seen by the public before and some date to as early as the 15th century.
The sculptures include a rare fine carving of a medieval knight and 15th century bench end carved with a bishop preaching to animals and birds, probably depicting St Francis.
The set of nine medieval sculptures will be accompanied by other English bible boxes and paper boxes from the Tudor and Elizabethan periods in the room that features Verdure tapestries.
Lady Edward Manners said: “Standing proud for over 900 years, Haddon Hall has a truly wonderful story to tell... Our exhibitions provide us with an additional opportunity to extend that knowledge further, and show other aspects to Haddon, from its connections to its many craftsmen, who were integral to its maintenance, to its historic symbols, tapestries and woodwork and so much more.
“For our celebration of oaks at Haddon Hall, we wanted to show some sculptures that have never been seen by the public before. They are of incredible historical significance and we’re excited to share them for the first time this autumn.”
Lady Manners said Haddon’s connection to oak extends back centuries: the hall is built with oak timbers and its panelling, beams, floor boards, furniture and tapestries feature oak trees and foliage.
The house, in the Peak District National Park overlooking the River Wye, has been used for many years by filmmakers and featured in movies including three versions of Jane Eyre, Pride & Prejudice, The Other Boleyn Girl and The Princess Bride.
Haddon Hall is open daily from 10.30am until 5pm, with last admission at 4pm until October 31 and opening times change in the winter months.
