OLIVER CROMWELL was not renowned for his love of the royal family. Indeed, so disillusioned was he by the failings of a dynasty he held responsible for national decline, that he had many of the Crown Jewels destroyed when he finally defeated the Royalists in battle in the middle of the 17th Century.

Said to have been offered the Crown himself, he turned it down but, despite the best efforts of the Parliamentarians, the monarchy was never forgotten.

Eventually, Charles II was to return from exile to reclaim the throne and new regalia was required befitting a king.

Enter Sir Robert Vyner, jeweller and ancestor of the Compton family, of Newby Hall, near Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Even the coronation had to wait while he replaced the St Edward's Crown - rumoured to now include some of the precious metals from the more modest regalia Cromwell used for state occasions - the Sword of Temporal Justice, and a Coronation Ring.

However, since then, much more has been added to the royal collection, usually kept secure in the Tower of London.

And the Compton family's loyalty to the king hundreds of years ago is still reflected today in that, since 1972, their home boasts convincing replicas of the Crown Jewels, made by Robert White and Sons, of London, which go on display to the public this weekend.

They include a stunning copy of the Imperial State Crown, worn by the monarch at a coronation and at all state occasions, The Royal Sceptre, The King's Orb, St Edwards Staff and the Sergeant At Arms' Mace.

The rare exhibition, in the Grantham Room of Newby Hall, forms the centrepiece of a weekend of events planned to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Newby Hall will also host a fancy dress competition, with prizes on offer to those who turn up as royalty; a palace tea party for children; another contest challenging youngsters to design a crown; and a treasure hunt around the grounds.

The hall also opened a new contemporary sculpture park this month, including as many as 40 original exhibits by artists of international repute.

For details of events planned at Newby Hall this weekend call (01423) 322583