SILK garters thought to have once held up Marie Antoinette's stockings have gone on display at Berrington Hall, near Leominster.

The garters, each decorated with a French verse, were originally brought to England by a lady-in-waiting of a close friend of the famous French queen.

Eccentric collector

They were acquired at auction by the eccentric collector Charles Paget Wade, who amassed an enormous collection of artefacts at Snowshill Manor, Broadway.

The Snowshill Costume Collection, consisting of more than 2,000 items, was too large to display in its original home and the National Trust has now moved it to Berrington Hall.

Visitors wishing to see the extensive collection should contact the costume curator on 01568 613720 on Thursdays or Fridays.