Commemorating 100 years since the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb by the Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter

One hundred years ago today, the dig began that unearthed the tomb of Tutankhamun.

The discovery of the Boy King’s tomb, in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, is being celebrated across the world today, but has a special resonance in North Hampshire.

The discovery was made by historian Howard Carter – but happened because of the passion and ability of the fifth Earl of Carnarvon, George Herbert, to finance the project.

Between November 1922 and spring 1923, a door to the ancient Egyptian world was opened.

The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun would be the most astonishing archaeological find of the century, revealing not only the pharaoh’s preserved remains, but thousands of finely-crafted objects, from the iconic gold mask and coffins to a dagger made from meteorite, chalices, beautiful furniture and even 3,000-year-old food and wine.

The world’s understanding of Ancient Egyptian civilisation was immeasurably enhanced, and the quantity and richness of the objects in the tomb is still being studied today.

The story of the find can be seen in an Egyptian exhibition at Highclere Castle and is the subject of a new book, The Earl and the Pharaoh.

Bestselling author Fiona, the Countess of Carnarvon, tells the story of the 5th Earl, whose sudden death became front-page news throughout the world following the discovery of the tomb, fuelling rumours that persist today of ‘the curse of the pharaohs’.