Families and history fans of all ages are invited to step back in time with the Tudors from January 27 to 29 at the Katharine of Aragon Festival hosted by Peterborough Cathedral and Peterborough Museum.
The Festival begins on Friday January 27 at 11am with a Commemoration Service in the Cathedral attended by civic dignitaries, during which wreaths will be laid on Katharine’s tomb. A Tudor Peterborough Walk follows at 2pm, starting at the Museum (prompt booking advised).
On the evening of Friday January 27 you can truly immerse yourself in the sixteenth century. At 5.30pm the Cathedral Choir will sing Vespers, a form of service familiar to the Tudor Court and including music from that time.
Then at 6.30pm a Cathedral open evening begins as Henry VIII, Katharine of Aragon and numerous courtiers arrive in their period costumes. The reenactors, from Regal Rose Historical Portrayal, will represent members of King Henry’s Court, including Thomas Cromwell and Queen Katharine’s most trusted lady in waiting, Maria de Silenas.
During the evening visitors can drop in to explore the Cathedral with quiet music playing, take photos, chat to the reenactors and local volunteer guides, and reflect on Katharine’s faith in God during difficult times. At 8.30pm the open evening ends and is followed at 9pm by the sung monastic service of Compline. All are welcome and there's no need to book. Donations are requested.
On Saturday January 29 there’s fun for the children at Peterborough Museum, from 10am to 4pm, with a chance to meet Tudor characters, try out some Tudor food and find out about life for everyday people in the 1500s. Family tickets are £12 and can be purchased on the door. Last entry is at 3.30pm.
Meanwhile at the Cathedral there'll be a Family Service at 10am for children to commemorate Katharine. This is followed by At Court with the Tudors, a day of craft activities such as making a ‘King on a thing’, decorating a crown and making a gable hood to wear. The Royal Courtiers (Regal Rose Historical Portrayal) will be present from 11am to 3pm, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities to pose for photos with Tudor royalty!
The Festival speaker this year is Professor Theresa M Earenfight of Seattle University, who will give an online talk about how objects associated with Katharine of Aragon - baby blankets, shoes, portraits and clothing - can tell us more about her. This will be online via Zoom on Thursday January 26 at 7.30pm (UK time) and tickets are £7 per viewing.
Various Tudor tours are taking place throughout the weekend but don’t hang about as some are already sold out.
For more information and all booking links, please visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/katharine.aspx
