VISITORS still have time to see an historic four-poster bed which is the centrepiece of a Tudor exhibition on display at Auckland Castle.

The 528-year-old paradise state bed is thought to have belonged to Henry VII, and his wife, Elizabeth of York.

Created for their marriage in 1486 it is believed some of the royal couple's seven children, including Henry VIII, were conceived in the oak bed, which is decorated with carvings symbolising fertility.

The bed is on display, alongside other historically priceless late 15th and early 16th Century royal artefacts.

Organisers say The Power and The Glory: How Religious Art Made Tudor England is the castle's most prestigious showcase event since it became a charitable trust in 2012.

Auckland Castle’s head curator, Dr Chris Ferguson said: “I would urge anyone who hasn’t been to see The Power and The Glory yet to have one last look before these magnificent pieces harking back to one of the most fascinating and tumultuous periods in British history, head their separate ways again.

“It is doubtful whether any of the exhibits will ever be shown together again in this way or if they will return to the North-East.”

The exhibition, which will run until September 30, examines how the Tudors successfully used religious art as propaganda to stake their claim to the English throne after the Wars of the Roses.

Auckland Castle is open to the public from 10.30am to 4pm every day except Tuesday. Admission is £8 but anyone taking part in the consultation survey will receive a £4 refund.