THEIR original owner would most certainly not be amused, but times have changed since the days of Queen Victoria.

The mere mention of a lady's undergarments would have been frowned upon during her time as monarch.

As for those used by Victoria, any suggestion of what she wore underneath would probably have been regarded as treasonable.

But in the 21st Century things could not be more different to those prim and proper days - and Victoria's bloomers are about to become an object of amusement.

A pair of her bloomers, complete with Royal crest, were found hidden away at Castle Howard, near Malton, North Yorkshire, earlier this year, and for the next two weeks visitors will have the chance to admire them.

As part of the Hands On History activities for children, youngsters are being given the chance to have some fun by touching on the past.

Children will be able to take on the role of curator and handle items from the stately home's archives - including the the large pair of knickers.

"It's got to be the chance of a lifetime, but we will be making sure they take very good care of them," said a spokesman yesterday.

The bloomers were found in Castle Howard's archived costume collection by educa-tion resource co-ordinator Heather Eisenhutt.

It is believed Queen Victoria left them behind after she visited Castle Howard in 1850.