Tudors return to the Tower of London

Emdad Rahman

A rainy weekend was enough to put the dampeners on tourists and visitors to the Tower of London – but they were missing out on the chance to catch up with King Henry VIII and his new bride Anne Boleyn.

The historical Tower moat became a hub of activity as visitors had the chance to wear fine Tudor costumes, make recipes and candles and watch live demonstrations from carpenters and blacksmiths while enjoying the sights and sounds of 1533. Those of a dashing nature were able to take part in royal celebrations: they learnt all about becoming the ultimate knight and practised shooting a cross bow in the moat.

A “pop up palace” allowed families to take part in the interactive game staged virtually at Hampton Court Palace and to watch an Aardman animation film on Anne Boleyn’s lavish coronation. Even the tiniest historians were entertained with special soft play areas for the under 5s, with arts and crafts activities for all ages.

Tournament at the Tower
1st-2nd August, 11.30 and 14.30
Included in general ticket offer
For the first time since the Tudor period the Tower will come alive with the sights and sounds of a traditional Tudor jousting tournament. Join Henry and his new Queen, Anne Boleyn, in the Moat and marvel at the skill and bravery as the knights take part in the most daring and authentic of jousts. 

Story Scramble
14-16th, 21st-23rd, 29th-31st August, 11.00 – 14.30
Included in entry price
Immerse yourself and the family with this interactive trail and uncover the Tower’s fascinating and unusual stories. Over 900 years of history have become jumbled and your quest is to unravel it as part of this interactive game held throughout the summer holidays.  

To book tickets for the Tower of London, visit this link. http://www.hrp.org.uk/towerOfLondon/admissionsprices/toweroflondonadmission

Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace. Historic Royal Palaces help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. For more information, go to: www.hrp.org.uk

PHOTOS: courtesy Historic Royal Palaces

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