A panel bearing the insignia of Anne of Cleves has gone on show at Hever Castle.

The fourth wife of Henry VIII, who outlived the king after their divorce by 10 years, owned Hever Castle until her death in 1557.

The 16th century intricately carved wooden panel is thought to have come from another of her former homes, Chelsea Palace, which was later demolished.

The oak panel shows Anne’s insignia, the emblem of the Duchy of Cleves and a lion’s head and appears to have been made for her and installed on her orders.

It is one of several panels removed from the building after she died. Its design can also be seen on her tomb in Westminster.

It is one of only a few rare, surviving artefacts associated with Anne of Cleves and is now on display in the Queen’s Chamber, which also houses two portraits of her.

Historian Dr Jonathan Foyle, who found the panel, said: “The Tudor age has long fascinated us, but historians lament the very poor survival of royal interiors, a loss due more to the destruction of the Civil War than changing fashions. On very rare occasions, surviving relics appear that transform our understanding of how palaces were dressed for kings, queens and their audiences.

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“This extremely fine oak panel with an AC monogram, which dates to the 1540s, was made for a house of Anne of Cleves.

“It is deeply fitting that her panel should reside here permanently.”

Hever Castle is near Edenbridge, TN8 7NG. For details call 01732 865224 or visit hevercastle.co.uk