by Nicola Forman

A gown first worn 200 years ago was dusted off and worn by six-week-old Isla Downs at her christening.

The dress has been worn by nine generations of the same family.

It was first worn by Thomas Grylls Dillon in 1780 whose son Charles Henry Dillon was second in command on the HMS Victory alongside Nelson and was the 14th Viscount Dillon.

It has also been worn by Isla’s mother Emily Downs as well as her grandmother, Helen Rouse, her great-grandmother Judith Gray, her great great grandmother May Brown and her great, great, great, grandmother Hannah Louisa Dillon.

Isla’s mum Emily Downs said: “It’s just a lovely piece of history. As far as I know, the gown was handmade to be used as a Christening gown.

“Everyone comments on how it looks brand new. It’s great that it’s been kept so well and we’ve been able to pass it on, hopefully it will continue to be passed on the generations.”