Levens Hall is anticipating an influx of visitors entranced by Napoleon, thanks to early reviews of Ridley Scott’s much-hailed film.

With the movie slated for official release on November 22, Levens Hall and Gardens foresees a surge in curiosity for all things Napoleonic.

Nestled near Kendal in Cumbria, Levens Hall is an Elizabethan manor that houses relics associated with the French emperor Napoleon and his formidable adversary, the Duke of Wellington.

Ownership of the property rests with the Bagot family, who obtained several of Napoleon and the Duke's possessions when the Duke's niece, Lady Mary Charlotte Anne Wellesley, married into the family in 1806.

Many of the Duke's belongings, including his campaign bed, locks of his hair and that of his warhorse, Copenhagen, and a bottle of port wine gifted by the citizens of Oporto after the Peninsular War, are displayed at Levens Hall.

The Duke declared that Napoleon's battlefield presence "was worth forty thousand men."

There is no shortage of memorabilia linked to Napoleon, including his writing blotter captured from one of his coaches following the Battle of Waterloo.

Other items include a book taken from the carriage of Joseph Bonaparte at the Battle of Vitoria and French porcelain figures representing Napoleon and his officers.

Visitors intrigued by the French emperor may admire an Arabian saddle, gifted by the Bey of Cairo during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign, and a clasp of bees that adorned Napoleon’s pre-Waterloo cloak.

Napoleon utilised the bee symbol to enhance his imperial credibility with it being the oldest emblem of French sovereigns. It also symbolised of immortality and resurrection.

Also on display is the Sevres Chocolate Service, seized from the chocolate factory at Sevres after Waterloo, which Napoleon had commissioned specially for his mother, Letizia Bonaparte.

The gloves worn by the Duke at Waterloo are also showcased, taken from his hands by Lady Mornington post-battle, accompanied by his spectacles and case.

Levens Hall will open for a special Christmas event – Silhouettes and Song – over the weekends of December 2 and 3, 9 and 10 and 16 and 17.

This event allows visitors an opportunity to explore the historic rooms of the Hall, lavishly festooned for Christmas, accompanied by a varied musical programme involving both choral and brass band performances.

Visitors can also access a section of the Levens Hall garden, the world's oldest topiary garden, established by Frenchman Monsieur Guillaume Beaumont in 1694.

Entry to the event is priced at £5.50 for adults and £2 for children.

The events will take place from 11am-4pm, with last entry at 3.30pm.

A festive menu will be available at Levens Kitchen, with festive bakery delights ready for takeaway from Levens Bakery.

Those unable to attend the Christmas event will have to wait till the official reopening of Levens Hall on March 27, 2024, to indulge their curiosity with 19th-century exhibits.

For further details, visit www.levenshall.co.uk.