QUEEN Victoria would probably not have been amused by a recent discovery

that is about to become a bizarre tourist attraction. But we are.

For much of her long reign, that grandest of old dames seldom appeared in anything other than voluminous black as she mourned the loss of her beloved Prince Albert.

But the new find lifts the skirts of history and reveals something that would probably have mortified the strait-laced mother of all things restrained.

For hidden away in a corner of one of the region's most famous stately homes staff have unearthed a pair of Queen Victoria's bloomers.

And when Castle Howard, near Malton, North Yorkshire, celebrates St Valentine's Day on Friday, the spectacular undies will be among the items on show.

"The last major find here was a drawing by Michelangelo," said education co-ordinator Heather Eisenhutt yesterday. "They are not quite in that league, but they are equally priceless."

Although described as split-front, the billowing white bloomers are unlike anything to be found in the modern Victoria's Secret lingerie chain. With their 48in waist, Ms Eisenhutt can fit into one leg.

They are marked with Victoria's VR crest and were probably left at Castle Howard when the Queen visited in 1850.

"Apparently, she was in the habit of leaving her bloomers behind when she visited various stately homes," said Ms Eisenhutt. "To be honest, we don't know for sure if she ever actually wore these. They could have been a spare pair."

It is thought some enterprising servant of the time may have put them to one side and their existence came to light again during background research for upcoming events.

Ms Eisenhutt found them hidden in the house's archived costume collection, where they were labelled "Queen Victoria's Split Drawers".

The bloomers will be among the highlights of a series of displays at the stately home on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, which will be celebrating love and romance in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Other highlights of the weekend include a "tasteful undressing demonstration", revealing the complex layers of undergarments worn by women in the 18th Century.