MUNCASTER Castle has revealed how it played a part in the Second World War. 

In 1939 when World War II broke out in Europe, British cities became a target for bombing by the Axis powers. This became known as The Blitz. 

In places like London historic and culturally significant artwork was being displayed in museums and galleries, so to protect the pieces they were moved elsewhere.

This meant that hundreds of pieces were transported from the Tate Gallery to Muncaster Castle, where they were kept under guard for the duration of the war. 

One of the most famous paintings to be kept at the castle was Vincent van Gogh's 'Sunflowers.'

News and Star: Sir John Ramsden's letter in 1939Sir John Ramsden's letter in 1939 (Image: Muncaster Castle)

Peter Frost-Pennington, the director at Muncaster Castle said: "Many people don't realise that during the war Muncaster was used as a repository to protect the nation's art heritage. 

"We had 800 paintings from the Tate Gallery here, they were transported here to stop them from being damaged by the Germans during The Blitz, at the time this was top secret. 

"The family was delighted that rather than the castle being taken over by army training, we had around ten men from the Tate and hundreds of paintings being kept safe here. 

"It's quite incredible, they picked Muncaster because it was quite isolated and not surrounded by towns and cities. 

"Some of the greatest art treasures the nation has been kept safe here for six years. Which included Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers', many of Turner's pieces, and many others that you can now go and see in London because they were protected. 

"The Tate was badly bombed during the war; it wasn't destroyed but if the paintings were left on the wall, they wouldn't be here for the nation to enjoy today."

News and Star: Vincent Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' Vincent Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' (Image: Pixabay)

Mr Frost-Pennington added: "I think it was a bit of a culture shock for the men from the Tate as most of them came from living in the East End of London to rural Cumberland. 

"They were living either in the castle or cottages on the estate. There's a nice story that on the first Christmas, they were allowed to bring their families up and were given turkey, Christmas pudding, and port."