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Exhibition: Ightham at War

The Ightham at War: Prisoners With Parallel Fates exhibition tells the extraordinary stories of two men at war —one a captured British soldier, the other a downed German pilot— both connected by Ightham Mote.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

This exhibition, curated to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, highlights the personal stories of Sir James Colyer-Fergusson, who earnt a distinguished war record before returning to, and eventually inheriting, Ightham Mote, and Helmut Ortner, the survivor of the crash of a Messerschmitt airplane on the Ightham Mote estate on 15 August 1940.

Through personal photographs, letters, and wartime memories the exhibition brings to life the stories of those who lived, fought and found refuge at Ightham Mote during World War II.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Children welcome

Meeting point

This exhibition runs throughout the house with a special display in the Coach House.

Upcoming events

Event

Saving Ightham: celebrating 40 years of Ightham Mote's legacy 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Charles Henry Robinson gifting Ightham Mote to the National Trust.

Event summary

on
21 Apr to 2 Nov 2025
at
10:00 to 16:30
+ 195 other dates or times
Event

Easter Adventures at Ightham Mote 

Bring the whole family to be part of the Easter Adventures at Ightham Mote.

Event summary

on
21 Apr 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
Event

Sargent’s Palette in Bloom 

Discover how Ightham Mote inspired internationally renowned artist John Singer Sargent.

Event summary

on
21 Apr to 2 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 195 other dates or times
Event

VE Day 80 discovery days 

Discover what life was like on the Home Front during World War II with our family friendly weekend of interactive sessions and displays.

Event summary

on
3 May to 5 May 2025
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 1 other date or time