A ROYAL architect has visited a 17th Century mansion during a visit to the region.

The Duke of Gloucester was a guest at Kiplin Hall, in Scorton, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, where he unveiled a plaque in the new rose garden and signed the visitors' book.

The duke, who is a cousin of the Queen, has a keen interest in architecture. He is also a patron of the British Association of Friends of Museums, the North-East Civic Trust, the Richard III Society and the Society of Architecture and Artists.

During his visit, the duke was given a guided tour of the Jacobean hall, which was commissioned in 1620 by George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I and the first Lord Baltimore.

The grade I-listed building is built of red brick with decorative features in Yorkshire stone.

Alterations and additions made during the 18th and 19th centuries included the Gothic library wing, the service wing, home-farm buildings and a clock-tower.