Museum to mark centenary with Sikh emperor exhibit

A historical museum in Norfolk will unveil a "thought-provoking" new display exploring the life of a Sikh emperor in celebration of its centenary.

Ancient House, in Thetford, Norfolk, will commemorate its 100th anniversary on Wednesday, exactly 100 years on from when it was first opened to the public in 1924.

To mark the occasion the museum will reveal an exhibition dedicated to Maharajah Duleep Singh, whose son Prince Frederick bought the building in 1921 and later gifted it to the town.

The exhibition will explore the family's "fascinating" lives in the likes of Punjab, Suffolk and Norfolk through intricate models and their own personal items.

Duleep Singh was the youngest son of Maharajah Ranjit Singh, who founded the Sikh empire in the Punjab in 1799.

After the deaths of his father and brother, Duleep Singh became ruler of the kingdom at the age of five, but was removed from the throne after Britain annexed the Punjab in 1849.

At the age of 15, he arrived in England and ended up spending the rest of his life in the country.

Some of the items on display will be provided from the collection of Peter Bance, a Sikh historian and consultant on the project, and his family.

He said: "The Ancient House owes its very existence to the generosity of Prince Frederick Duleep Singh.

"It is fitting to be marking the museum's centenary with new displays about the family and it is a privilege to be part of this moment in history."

The exhibition will showcase Prince Frederick's sandwich box and writing case and a model of Elveden Hall, in Suffolk, where Maharajah Duleep Singh lived with his family.

His children's items will also be included, such as a set of sheet music written by Prince Victor, a childhood musical score book written by Princess Irene and Princess Sophia's silver cigarette lighter.

It will also have a greater focus on Maharajah Duleep Singh's mother, Maharani Jind Kaur, and his first wife, Bamba Müller.

Dr Priya Atwal, a historian and project consultant, said: "We are increasingly uncovering new layers and greater nuance in our understanding of the lives of this man and his family.

"The Duleep Singhs may have been royalty, but their experiences as exiles and members of the local community echo down the ages."

The exhibition called A History of Ancient House in 100 Objects, will be the first element of the museum's centenary programme.

Additional events and activities will also be held throughout the year to make its 100th anniversary.

Robert Kybird, the chair of the Breckland Area Museums Committee and Breckland Council, said: "A centenary is always a special occasion to be celebrated."

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.