ONE of South Gloucestershire’s most historical buildings is to feature in two new television documentaries before opening to the public this summer.

Acton Court, in Iron Acton, which date back to the Tudor perioud and once housed Henry VIII who was visiting the area, has been filmed for two shows which will air this month.

The first, BBC 2 series The Most Dangerous Man in Tudor England, explores the dramatic story of the William Tyndale and his mission to translate the Bible into English. Tyndale’s determination saw him fall out of favour with protestant King Henry VII as well as the Pope.

The programme is presented by historian Melvyn Bragg, who visited Acton Court during filming, and has been produced n collaboration with English Heritage. The episode featuring Acton Court will air on Friday, June 14 (7.30pm).

The house and grounds is also due to feature in ITV’s Britain's Secret Homes, also on Friday, June 14 (9pm).

The series looks at historic homes, many still lived in by members of the public, which have staged events and happenings that have changed the course of history. This series is presented by Michael Buerk and Bettany Hughes with a host of high profile additional presenters telling the stories of homes which have a relevance to them.

Both programmes go on air before the house opens to the public for guided tours at 2pm and 3.30pm between July 3 and August 11 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

Acton Court is also opening as part of the National Gardens’ Scheme on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 (11am-5pm).

Special events being staged this season include a talk by naturalist and broadcaster Chris Sperring on British animals of the past, on Saturday, July 20 (7.30pm).

Archaeologist Rob Bell will conduct an evening tour of the house and ground pointing out places where successful excavation works have been carried out, on Friday, July 26 (7pm).

To close the season, Pantagruel will perform a concert of supernatural songs from Shakespeare’s The Tempest and dances from Elizabethan England.

For tickets to any of the special events visit www.actoncourt.com or call 01454 228224.