STORIES of conquest and invasion, love, loss and betrayal across 2400 years of royal rule in Hampshire can be discovered at a series of new exhibitions being held across the south this summer.

“Royal Blood: Heads and Tales”, is a new programme of exhibitions organised by Hampshire Cultural Trust and running at six museums throughout the county that look to explore the exciting – and sometimes gruesome – historical periods of the county’s past.

The exhibitions feature coins and precious objects preserved from the reigns of Hampshire’s kings and queens, and a special Royal Bloop family trail highlighting humorous but horrible histories.

Visitors will be able to gain an insight into royal loves and lives, battles and deaths, and will also be able to delve deeper into their local history, with a special focus at each museum, such as the Civil War and the Battle of Alton at Alton Museum, the growth of Aldershot as a military centre at Aldershot Military Museum, and the Tudors at Westbury Manor in Fareham.

In the Iron Age and throughout its illustrious history, Hampshire has played a pivotal role in struggles to win the crown of Wessex, and ultimately, England. From the turbulent Middle Ages, into the pomp and pageantry of the Tudor period, through to the dissension and division of the early Stuarts, the county has seen its full share of triumph and disaster. Battles, skirmishes, religious upheavals, dynastic marriages and other intrigues accompanied the fight of the county’s rulers, who often left their mark through coinage: heads, with a myriad of tales.

Janet Owen, chief executive of Hampshire Cultural Trust, said: “We are delighted to bring this fantastic Royal Blood Heads and Tales exhibition to venues around Hampshire this summer. There is so much local history for people of all ages to discover, and these exhibitions present it in a fun and informative way.

“This is a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to travel back in time with us and be part of this countywide celebration of our rich and royal heritage.”

To find out more about the Royal Blood Heads and Tales Exhibition visit royalbloodhants.com.

The Heads and Tales exhibition, which commenced at Andover Museum earlier this month for a run between May 7 - July 9, has also opened at Westbury Manor Museum, Fareham, last week for a run from May 14 - July 16. The exhibition will then move on to the Aldershot Military Museum, May 21 - July 24; Curtis Museum, Alton, July 16 - September 17; Red House Museum and Gardens, Christchurch, July 23 - 17 September and Eastleigh Museum, July 30 - September 24.