Learn about its origins, why it came to be in England and how its hand-carved inscriptions were key to unlocking the secrets of Egyptian hieroglyphs. Listen to this classic episode from our series 125 Treasures, presented by Alison Steadman.

[Ad from our sponsor] This podcast episode is sponsored by family history website Findmypast. What was life like for domestic servants, workers and local communities at our most fascinating heritage sites? Discover how people from all walks of life lived and worked, and who with, in hundreds of census records, for free, by signing up with Findmypast. And find out about the free trial that you could use to explore your family history. See where the past takes you at: findmypast.co.uk/national-trust

Discover more
Watch BBC Two's Hidden Treasures of the National Trust:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001lttx

Read about the Philae Obelisk and other treasures at Kingston Lacy:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy/the-treasures-at-kingston-lacy

Find out more about Kingston Lacy:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy

This mini series shares it's name with a National Trust book. Find out more and browse other reads in our collection:
shop.nationaltrust.org.uk/national-trust-125-treasures.html

Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk