Austen movie costumes go on show

Basildon was built in 1783 and was given the National Trust in 1977

Costumes worn by the cast of Pride and Prejudice has taken centre stage at a revamped exhibition at the stately home which featured in the film.

Eight outfits worn by Mr Darcy, Miss Bingley and Mr Bennet have gone on display at Basildon Park, near Pangbourne, Berkshire.

The 2005 adaptation of Austen's novel starred Matthew Macfadyen as Mr Darcy and Keira Knightley as Elizabeth.

The mansion was closed for seven weeks while filming took place in 2004.

We might have a bit of a problem keeping our female housekeepers' hands off the costumes of Mr Darcy Mark Simmons, visitor services manager

Behind-the-scenes photographs, props and signed memorabilia are also on show at the 18th Century mansion.

The exhibition - The Making of Pride and Prejudice - will run until the end of June.

Mark Simmons, visitor services manager, said: "The exhibition has been a great success so far with 16,000 people coming to see it during the last few months of 2005 alone."

He said they were looking forward to adding the costumes to the collection.

"However, I think we might have a bit of a problem keeping our female housekeepers' hands off the costumes of Mr Darcy," he added.