WITH the sales in full swing, many would argue this is the ideal time to snap up bargains for the home.

Yet a party of Scottish historians called into Winchester with a much more exotic shopping list of furniture and fittings.

The group is currently restoring the palace at Stirling Castle to how it would have looked in Tudor times during the reign of James V of Scotland.

To make it as authentic as possible, they are combing Britain for the best examples for workmanship from the time.

Their trail has now led them to the historic Westgate in Winchester's High Street. They were particularly keen to see a group of Tudor ceiling panels.

The panels actually come from Winchester College, but are housed in the Westgate and looked after by Winchester Museums Service.

Something similar could now appear at the Queen's Inner Hall at Stirling Castle following the trip to Hampshire.

Peter Buchanan, the restoration project manager, said: "The project team was extremely impressed both by the quality of workmanship of the panels and their excellent state of preservation.

"We are very grateful for the assistance and support provided by the museums service. Subject to approval by Winchester College, the Winchester Tudor ceiling would be an ideal model for Stirling Palace."

The restored palace is due to open in 2011.