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ABOVE: The Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Maritime Greenwich celebrates Henry VIII's 500th anniversary with June eventsThe Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, birthplace of Henry VIII, will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the great monarch's accession to the throne with a series of events during June. A highlight will be the weekend of Tudor-themed festivities on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June at the Old Royal Naval College, the former site of Greenwich Palace, where Henry was born on 28 June 1491. Also known as Placentia, or "pleasant place," the palace stood beside the Thames and was Henry's main residence of choice throughout his reign as the King of England. The weekend of family activities will bring alive Henry's enthusiasm for Greenwich and offer a wonderful opportunity to learn first hand about the monarch and Tudor life; it will also provide a chance to ‘meet' the king, his second wife Anne Boleyn and members of his court. You will be able to watch the colourful re-enactment of a typical 15th century mounted hunting parade and cheer on the brave knights as they battle with each other in foot combat in the extensive grounds of the Old Royal Naval College. There will also be opportunities to test your archery skills, join in Tudor dancing and feast at a Tudor food court. Other children's activities will include face painting and flag making workshops which will run during both days as well as a variety of games. All outdoor performances will be free of charge. In addition to the activities throughout the weekend, special guided tours highlighting the history of Greenwich Palace and its royal past will run weekly in June from Thursday to Sunday, except over the weekend of 13 and 14 June. Organised by the Old Royal Naval College, these tours cost £5 per adult and are free for under 16s. Greenwich Tour Guides will also be including special information about the life of Henry VIII in their daily walks around the World Heritage Site. On Tuesday, 2 June, Dr Simon Thurley, a leading architectural historian and the Chief Executive of English Heritage, will be holding an evening lecture on Henry VIII and Greenwich Palace in the Queen Mary Undercroft at the Old Royal Naval College. Tickets cost £5, which include a glass of wine. Sunday, 14 June sees the award-winning choral group, The Sixteen, performing a special Henry VIII period concert in the Old Royal Naval College Chapel. The newly refurbished King William Restaurant in the undercroft of the Painted Hall will also be offering a Henry VIII inspired English seasonal menu in the run up to the Henry VIII weekend. Henry's Greenwich We know that Henry expanded Greenwich Palace by building armouries, stables, a tilt yard and new banqueting hall. He married both his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and fourth, Anne of Cleves, in the chapel at Greenwich Palace and two of his daughters, who went on to rule England as Mary I and Elizabeth I, were born and christened there. His second wife, Anne Boleyn, was arrested after dropping her handkerchief in front of a nobleman in Greenwich Park – in Tudor times this was considered clear evidence of adultery and she was beheaded. In 1970-71 a major archaeological dig in the Grand Square of the Old Royal Naval College revealed the palace's foundations while remains of the chapel were revealed in 2006 when a 10 x 5ft section of the chapel floor, glazed black and white tiles, was uncovered. These are the tiles Henry would have seen during his weddings. A great sportsman and lover of hunting, Henry stocked Greenwich Park with deer in 1514 and their descendants are still there today; they wandered free until 1927 but are now kept in a large enclosure. In January 1536 he was thrown from his horse while jousting in Greenwich and remained unconscious for two hours. He never jousted again. Getting to Greenwich and more Information Other key attractions in Maritime Greenwich include the National Maritime Museum, the Queen's House, Royal Observatory, Peter Harrison Planetarium, Greenwich Park, Ranger's House, The Fan Museum and St Alfege Church. The vibrant market and town centre with its historic 17th and 18th century buildings also provides plenty to explore and by night visitors can enjoy the thriving restaurants, bars, theatre and live entertainment. Maritime Greenwich is easily reached via the Docklands Light Railway alighting at Cutty Sark, or the Southeastern rail service from London Bridge. Alternatively visitors can travel by boat to Greenwich Pier. For further
information on travel, events, places to visit and accommodation visit
www.greenwichwhs.org.uk or call the Greenwich Tourist Information Centre on 0870
608 2000. Photo copyright © Rachel Dewis.
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