After the morning’s business and lunch, Christine Thompson, Head House Seamstress for over 18 years, showed us the work of her department. She and the sewing room team look after all the textiles in the house and its other properties, from conservation and restoration to renewing fabrics where needed.

Christine held up the bodice of an 1896 Worth gown, worn by the Duchess of Devonshire at a fancy dress party in 2000, and showed us the detail of its skirt and train. We also saw the Redesdale christening robe and bonnets, which, as the label shows, were worn by Nancy Mitford, one of Lord Redesdale’s daughters. And the committee even enjoyed a rare spell of June sunshine.