Snowshill Manor and Gardens, a historic Cotswolds manor house famed for the eccentric collections of local collector Charles Wade, is set to feature in the fourth episode of the BBC Arts series Hidden Treasures of the National Trust.
Acquired by Wade in 1919, Snowshill Manor houses an astonishing collection of some 22,000 items, ranging from musical instruments and clocks to an exceptional array of 22 sets of Samurai armour. The manor, nestled in a peaceful Cotswolds village, bears testament to Wade’s passion for collecting unusual artifacts.
A highlight of the collection is a rare Boys Samurai Suit of armour, crafted for a child. The upcoming episode follows this historic suit as it undergoes expert conservation at National Trust studios before heading to the British Museum for a special Samurai exhibition. This exquisite armour is part of Wade’s extensive costume collection, renowned internationally for its scope and quality. Visitors can currently view many of these costume pieces at Snowshill Manor’s Threads of Identity exhibition.
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The popular Hidden Treasures of the National Trust series, returning to BBC Two and iPlayer, celebrates the dedicated experts and volunteers who care for National Trust properties and their collections. Episode four, titled “Collectomania,” delves into the Victorian-era fascination with collecting and features both Snowshill Manor and Calke Abbey in Derbyshire.
Jennifer Bowen, Collections & House Manager for the Gloucestershire Property Group, expressed excitement about the feature: “We are thrilled to showcase Charles Wade’s extraordinary collection on this year’s Hidden Treasures. Caring for such a vast array of items requires immense dedication, and it’s wonderful to share this passion with viewers.”
The episode also highlights the preservation efforts of Wolf’s Cove, one of the UK’s earliest known model villages, and focuses on conservation work on a historic doorbell—both originally created by Wade himself.
Hidden Treasures of the National Trust, episode four, airs Friday, June 5, with full episodes available on iPlayer.
For those inspired to visit the region, the Cotswolds offers a range of stunning retreats. Among them is Bridge Farm in Faringdon, a luxurious five-star property accommodating 14 guests with seven bedrooms, a swimming pool, tennis court, cinema room, and more. This grand manor is perfect for group getaways and celebrations, featuring amenities like a sauna and games room.
For a smaller, cozy stay, The Old Reading Room in Bledington provides a charming two-person retreat in the heart of a picturesque village. This quaint cottage offers easy access to local attractions, including the nearby stream and the famous Kings Head pub, as well as Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm just a short drive away.
Whether exploring Snowshill Manor’s extraordinary collections or savoring the beauty of the Cotswolds countryside, visitors are sure to experience something truly special.