A priceless 16th century tapestry commissioned by Henry VIII is thought to have been found in a rug shop in New York by Mary Beard, the academic and television presenter.

The giant tapestry, which depicts scenes from the life of Julius Caesar, was recognised by Ms Beard after she saw a picture of it while researching on the internet.

The set of 10 tapestries were commissioned by King Henry VIII at the height of his power and were said to be one of his greatest treasures.

In 1649, more than a century after the Tudor monarch's death in 1547, the set was valued at £5,022, a vast sum that made it one of the most valuable items in the royal collection.