Ep 16. Rochester Castle

In season 30 episode 16 of Antiques Roadshow UK, the team travels to Rochester Castle, a stunning 12th-century fortress located in Kent. As always, people bring their most prized possessions to be appraised by the experts.

The first item to catch the eye of the experts is a beautiful painting of a Tudor nobleman. The owner inherited it from his grandparents, who were avid collectors of antiques. The painting is signed by the artist, and the experts suspect that it might be a lost masterpiece worth a small fortune.

Next up is a collection of valuable silver items, including a set of Georgian candlesticks and an intricately designed sugar bowl. These are family heirlooms of the owner, who is hoping to learn more about their history and value.

As the day goes on, more and more interesting items make their way onto the show. There's a rare 18th-century French clock, a set of antique pistols, and a collection of exquisite jewellery.

One of the most fascinating items is a set of wartime medals. The owner's grandfather served in the British army during World War II, and these medals were awarded for his brave military service. The experts are able to provide a detailed history of the medals, including where they were awarded and what they signify.

Towards the end of the day, a man brings in a bizarre-looking object. It turns out to be a Chinese water dropper, used in ancient times to store ink for calligraphy. The experts are impressed by its age and rarity, and are able to provide some fascinating information about its origins.

As always, there are surprises in store for the owners of these antiques. Some items turn out to be worth much more than the owners expected, while others are of little value. But regardless of their monetary worth, each item has its own unique story, making Antiques Roadshow UK season 30 episode 16 a fascinating look into the world of antiques and history.