A 'LOST Tudor prince' is the subject of an exhibition which is open now at Worcester Cathedral.

Over the half-term the cathedral is hosting an exhibition exploring the life of England’s forgotten Tudor prince, Arthur.

Arthur Tudor, the son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, was Henry VIII’s older brother and was destined to become king as the first Tudor Prince of Wales.

Tragedy stuck the royal family in April 1502 when Arthur died of a mysterious and highly contagious disease called ‘sweating sickness.’

He died at the age of 15 at Ludlow Castle and now lies buried in the cathedral beneath his magnificent chantry chapel, erected by his parents as a place set aside for prayers for their son’s soul.

The exhibition takes the form of an audio-tour that will guide visitors around a gallery of images and artefacts telling them the story of Arthur’s brief but eventful life, placing it in the broader context of the Tudor dynasty.

The Dean said: “The life and death of Prince Arthur is one of the most fascinating stories in the long history of Worcester Cathedral. This exhibition will make it possible for people to enter into this story, and reflect on one of the great ‘might-have-beens’ of English history."

The exhibition features footage showing the re-enactment of his funeral in 2002 in period costumes and a reconstruction of the prince's armour.

The exhibition opened on Saturday between 10am and 4pm and will finish thus Saturday (February 25).

It forms part of this year’s Love Worcester Heritage Festival. Admission to the exhibition is free.

For further information contact Benjamin Smith, director of education and learning at Worcester Cathedral on 01905 732919 or by e-mail: bensmith@worcestercathedral.org.uk