A TUDOR manor house in Iron Acton is gracing our television screens this month heralding the anniversary of one of our most memorable monarchs.

Acton Court was extended and redecorated for a royal visit by Henry V111 and his second wife Anne Boleyn in 1535. The medieval estate is now setting the scene for celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the notorious king’s ascension to the throne.

The house and grounds, which date back to 1364 when it was first owned by the Poyntz family, are featured in a four-part series on Henry V111: The Mind of a Tyrant.

Presenter and historian David Starkey visited the estate in December last year to film episodes 3 and 4 which investigate Henry V111, best remembered in history for having six wives, as a lover and a tyrant respectively.

The programmes will be shown on Channel 4 on Saturday, April 25 (7pm) and on Monday, April 27 (9pm) repeated on Saturday, May 2 (7pm).

Television’s Time Team also filmed at Acton Court, which is now privately owned by the Roeshill Corporation, last year for a special series called Henry’s Lost Palaces.

Tony Robinson will present the documentary due to be screened this spring.

Lisa Kopper, secretary to the Friends of Acton Court, said: "It is interesting that it is being featured on two programmes which we filmed in the same month.

"It just goes to show what an important place Acton Court is."

The moated house gained a lavish new wing, which was built in just nine months and boasted the king’s own en suite garderobe, when it was refurbished for the royal visit.

The extension has seen important archaeology finds and is regarded as a rare example of 16th century royal state apartments with some of the country’s finest Tudor decor, including a painted frieze which can still be viewed in part today.

Acton Court opens for tours by appointment, events and talks from Tuesday, June 16 until Sunday, August 23 2009. For further information and an events programme call 01454 228224 or email info@actoncourt.com