A new exhibition offering an insight into the life of Vita Sackville-West opens this week at Knole.

Poet and author Vita was born and raised at the historic house in Sevenoaks and left aged 21 after marrying writer and politician Harold Nicolson in 1913, settling at Sissinghurst Castle with their two children Nigel and Benedict.

The exhibition – Vita at Knole – organised to mark 100 years since the couple married, displays photos from the Sackville-West and Nicolson family albums, describes what Vita was like as a child and reveals her favourite things about Knole.

From entries in the diaries of Vita and her mother, visitors can see through their eyes what Knole was like in the 19th century. They will also discover little-known aspects of Knole’s history, such as a Shakespeare masque at the property featuring the Victorian actress Ellen Terry and the visit of a Chinese diplomatic delegation where Vita “peacocked up and down in front of them”.

In the house visitors will discover the rooms that meant most to Vita and will see the rocking horse, belonging to her ancestor the 4th Duke of Dorset, which she rode as a child.

Vita at Knole opens on Tuesday, April 30 and runs until Sunday, June 2. The free exhibition takes place in the Orangery, which is open from 10.30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday, and on Monday, May 27. Normal admission to the garden and house applies, priced £10.40 for adults, £5.20 for children. Call 01732 462100.