Tapestry returned to stately home

The hall carried out "lots of planning" for the rehanging.

A 17th century tapestry has returned to a stately home following a "rigorous" conservation programme.

The Mortlake tapestry is described as one of the most significant in a collection at Blickling Hall, near Aylsham, where it will be rehung later.

The National Trust said its return was the "final piece of the jigsaw puzzle".

For the first time in more a decade, visitors will be able to see the complete set of eight tapestries which depict The History of Abraham.

House manager Jane Brookes said the tapestry was sent to Belgium to be "washed" and was then conserved at the Blickling Textile Conservation Studio.

"It's going to be a challenge to return it to its rightful place," she added.

"Not only is its size going to make it hard to manoeuvre up the stairs, but it's heavy. Lots of planning has gone in to its return."

The tapestry is the biggest in the collection, measuring 4m (13.1ft) by 3m (9.8ft), and will be unveiled to visitors on Wednesday.

The set was acquired by Sir Henry Hobart of Blickling Hall in 1624, at a time when Mortlake tapestries were at the height of fame and production.

Mortlake Tapestry Works was based by the River Thames at Mortlake.