Castle featuring on popular BBC show
By Connor Steel
PORTCHESTER CASTLE will take centre stage on a popular Sunday evening programme on BBC, the heritage landmark currently scheduled to feature on Antiques Roadshow this weekend (February 13) as part of the famous series hosted by presenter Fiona Bruce.
The show has been running since 1979 and is now into its 44th series, maintaining a steady weekly audience despite showing over 850 individual episodes being shown; becoming one of the most watched Sunday evening programmes over recent years.
Filming took place at the castle in autumn 2021 and the programme will see a team of experts travel to the South Coast to discover a host of treasures; including Battle of Britain medals, valuable Indian paintings, and rare punk clothing by fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.
The castle and ground was shut for two days for filming with Portchester Castle property manager Jenny Snook saying: “It was wonderful to welcome the Antiques Roadshow to Portchester Castle last year for two unforgettable days of filming. We loved seeing so many local people invited to show their treasures to the experts, and I’m really looking forward to see what gems were discovered.”
And viewers will also be able to enjoy an insight into the castle’s history, in particular the role it paid as a prisoner of war camp in the late 18th century. At this time it was home to freed slaves from the Caribbean who had fought for France and been captured by the British.
Today the castle is looked after by English Heritage and its grounds are open to the public all week for walks or recreation. There is also the option to explore interior aspects of the castle via a tour with opening time information and booking details available for February half term here.
Antiques Roadshow from Portchester Castle will be shown on BBC One at 7pm this Sunday (February 13), whilst it should be available on iPlayer shortly after broadcast. More information can be found via this BBC link, including previous episodes and the next showing of this much-loved programmes.
PICTURED BY BBC: Portchester Castle will feature as location for Sunday’s episode of Antiques Roadshow
