Christmas trees 'will tell stories of the past'

More than 25 Christmas trees are being put up in a Brighton museum to tell the story of "Royal Christmases past".

Staff at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton have been decorating each tree to represent the history and designs of the rooms they are in.

The display is due to be completed and open by the 18 November.

The museum said visitors would be able to "immerse themselves in the splendour of lavishly decorated trees".

The Royal Pavilion played a crucial part in influencing modern Christmas trees.

Queen Charlotte brought the tradition with her from Germany in the 18th Century, where decorating trees had been customary since the early 1600s.

The tradition was continued by her daughter-in-law Queen Adelaide.

She hosted annual Christmas celebrations throughout her husband William IV's reign (1830-1837) in the Banqueting Room at the Pavilion.

One of the museum's recreations is Queen Victoria and Albert's tree.

When it made the cover of the Illustrated London News in 1848, Christmas trees became a staple in British households.

Brighton & Hove Museum chief executive Hedley Swain said: “There is so much to do in our venues with Christmas craft workshops to fascinating talks about the history of Christmas to get everyone in a festive mood."

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