Motherhood at Belvoir

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As part of its celebrations for Mother's Day, Belvoir Castle is opening a specially curated exhibition about Motherhood at Belvoir.

Open from Saturday 29 March until Sunday 11 May, the exhibition celebrates the strength, love and legacy of all the mothers and mother figures who have lived at Belvoir Castle over five centuries. It documents unique facts about each Duchess or Countess and their families, whilst celebrating their achievements, interests and milestones.

Included in the exhibition is details of the life of Eleanor, 1st Countess of Rutland, who was lady in waiting to five of Henry VIII's Queens and Nanny Webb, one of the longest serving staff members at Belvoir Castle, who was employed for 50 years as a nurse, housekeeper and nanny and was a core part of family life.

Presented as part of the fascinating exhibition is a short film which includes interviews with Belvoir Castle's modern matriarch, Emma, Duchess of Rutland, and two of her daughters, Lady Violet, and Lady Eliza, as they recollect growing up on the Estate, share family memories and discuss what it means to be a female in the Manners family.

Recently uncovered at Belvoir, several historic wedding dresses, evening gowns and night dresses worn by Elizabeth, 5th Duchess of Rutland and Violet, 8th Duchess of Rutland are on display in the Motherhood exhibition, alongside 20th century night dresses supplied by the castle to children living on the estate.

The present Duchess has also given special permission to show her own wedding dress, worn in 1992 during her marriage to the now 11th Duke of Rutland in the Belvoir Castle ceremony.

Sue Richmond, Events Manager at Belvoir Castle, said: "There's a fascinating history of bold, strong and loving Duchesses who called the Castle home and Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to uncover the milestones in their lives and show visitors even more of the Manners' unique family history from the place they have inhabited for over 1000 years.

"It's important to us that the exhibition shows how the mothers and mother figures at Belvoir Castle have always been and remain the backbone of the Estate. For our visitors, we hope it adds a new dimension to a visit to the Castle and inspires them to celebrate mothers in their own family"

"The role of a Duchess at Belvoir Castle is filled with responsibility, care, legacy and love and highlighting how the role has changed over the centuries is a key theme in this exhibition. As Belvoir evolves with modern times and the Estate diversifies and grows, it's fascinating to observe how the role has transformed and I've experienced first-hand what it takes to navigate the world of a modern Duchess," added the Duchess of Rutland.

For the ultimate Mother's Day treat, indulge in a luxurious Afternoon Tea at Belvoir Castle with plenty of freshly baked fruit scones, finger sandwiches and delicate cakes.

After you've taken a tour of the exquisite formal State rooms, wander through the immaculate gardens as they burst into spring life and afterwards enjoy some retail therapy at Belvoir Castle's Retail Village.

Visit The Grange Garden Centre, Bumbles Interiors, Tori Murphy, The Belvoir Farm Shop, The Duchess Collection and the Belvoir Bistro, which serves a wide selection of British classics including gourmet burgers, hot sandwiches, woodfired pizzas and a variety of refreshing soft drinks, coffees, teas and hot chocolate.