Tower of London Events Calendar 2002
A guide to special events at the Tower of London. |
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Tower
Of London Events Calendar 2002
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The
Earl of Essex
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Essex,
The Dashing Traitor
Weekends of February 2-3 and 9-10, 2002
Experience life as the Earl of Essex as a series of vignettes replay
key points in Essex's life. From fêted favourite to treasonous traitor,
each of these events was inextricably tied to the Tower of London.
The costumed presentations will take place throughout the day.
The
Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn
February 16-24, 2002
Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, was executed for treason
at the Tower of London in 1536. Guides in period costume present,
from various sites around the Tower, five personal views of the
life of one of the most famous women in British history. Noble courtiers
will discuss her coronation, London citizens react to her trial
here, and finally her executioner tells how Anne faced death.
"Colonel
Blood" attempts his escape
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Colonel
Blood and the Great Crown Jewels Robbery
Easter, March 29 -April 7, 2002
In its long history as home to the Royal Regalia, the Tower of London
witnessed a single attempt to steal the Jewels. In 1671, an adventurer
by the name of Colonel Thomas Blood masterminded an almost successful
heist by posing as a clergyman and proffering the affections of
his nephew to the daughter of the Keeper of the Crown Jewels. Colonel
Blood managed to escape the Tower with his haul of the crown, orb,
and scepter only to be caught just outside the castle walls.
Perhaps the most bizarre twist in this tale is that the King pardoned the Colonel for his crime and even awarded him a pension for his efforts. Join Colonel Blood in his attempt to steal the Crown Jewels five times daily. How was the robbery committed and why did it nearly succeed? Who was the shadowy ringleader 'Colonel' Thomas Blood? Why was he never punished for his crime?
Attack
the Tower
June 1-5, 2002
Join the medieval armies of the King and his rebellious barons as
they struggle for control of the nation's greatest fortress. Using
evidence from the siege of 1267 when the unscrupulous Earl Gilbert
the Red tried and failed to breach the mighty walls, we recreate
the techniques needed to attack and defend a medieval castle. Both
adults and children can join the troops as they try to shoot, batter
or dig their way into the Tower of London.
Medieval
Military Weekends
June, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30
Strong though the Tower of London was, its walls were only as good
as the arms and men that defended it. Take a closer look at the
fearsome weapons of the Middle Ages and find out how the defenders
used them to protect the fortress.
Arming
the Knight, Armed Combat and Archery
Summer 2002 (July 20 through September 1, 2002)
Experience the drama and excitement of the medieval period everyday
at the Tower of London. In Arming the Knight learn about the rituals
of and background to the armor and equipment worn by Edward I's
knights in the thirteenth century. Children can feel the weight
of real chain mail and one lucky lad from the audience will act
as Squire to help the costumed guides get ready for battle. Cheer
on your chosen swordsman as he takes on a skilful opponent in Armed
Combat - this fascinating display, at various times every day, demonstrates
a range of historical swordplay from the Middle Ages to the eighteenth
century.
The crucial English weapon of the Middle Ages was the bow. It was this alone which allowed the Kings of England to hold their own against the French. In Archery at the Tower, see how skilful shooting could bring down the most powerful knight, and the variety of techniques used by bowmen in both sieges and pitched battles.
Escape
from the Tower of London
October 2002
Follow the exploits of famous escapees from the Tower across the
centuries and those who tried but failed. Help search for the vital
equipment: disguises, coins, knotted bedsheets and copious amounts
of wine - all necessary to break out of one of the most secure locations
in the land.
Guy
Fawkes, Treason and Torture at the Tower
November 3 & 4, 2002
Every year the British celebrate Bonfire Night with its sparklers,
fireworks and overstuffed 'Guy'. Who was Guy Fawkes and why was
he conspiring to blow up the House of Lords on a cold November night
in 1605? Was he alone or part of team of plotters? This two-day
special event will answer some of the questions as visitors join
in the dramatic events that led up to the discovery of the plot.
The costumed guides will recreate the politics of the period and
final hours of this famous English 'traitor'. The story culminates
in the capture of Guy Fawkes who was tortured in the Tower before
being executed as a traitor. Presentations take place throughout
the day.
Married
to the Tower
November 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30 and December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22
Meet the eminent ladies and gentlemen of the Victorian era who lived
and worked in the Tower of London. Talk with them about the legends
of its past inhabitants and the ghosts haunting its ancient walls.
Discover those parts of its history that were uncovered.
A
Medieval Christmas at the Tower
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The
King's Christmas
December 27-31, 2002
The richly decorated Medieval Palace is once more brought to life
with the scents, sounds and spectacle of the court of Edward I.
Edward I and his wife, Eleanor of Castille, assemble the court to
celebrate Christmas. Join the colorful procession of costumed guides
from the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula to the Medieval Palace where
the rooms will be filled with the sounds of medieval music. Visitors
can take part in court ceremonials, the 'Choosing of the Boy Bishop'
and the rituals of dining. Minstrels and storytellers will provide
courtly entertainment. Year Round Dates for Pomp and Pageantry
The Tower is well known for its traditional ceremonies and there are a number of parades, salutes and rituals which celebrate the ancient customs of this fortified palace in the heart of the City of London and are great fun for those visiting on the days marked below.
Gun
Salutes in 2002:
February 6 Gun Salute
June 2 Gun Salute
June 4 Gun Salute
June 10 Gun Salute
June 15 Gun Salute
August 4 Gun Salute
State
Parades in Ceremonial Uniform in 2002
The official escort of the Governor and Padre to the special church
services during the year. All take place on Tower Green between
Queen's House and the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula. The
exact dates for the Easter, Whitsun and Christmas Parades are to
be confirmed.
HM Tower of London is part of Historic Royal Palaces, a registered charity. All events are included in regular admission prices.
Tower
of London Operation
Hours
March 1 - October 31
Opening Times
Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
November
1 - February 28
Opening Times
Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Sunday & Monday 10:00 a.m.
4:00 p.m.
Ticket
Prices:
Adults $16.00 Seniors/Students $12.00 Children $11.00 Under 5s Free
Family Ticket $48.50 (up to 2 adults and 3 children)
Tickets to the Tower are available at any of London's 250 underground stations and at the Tower of London Ticket Office.
Prices subject to change with exchange rates. As of November 7, 2001, admission to the Fusiliers' Museum is now free of charge.
Photo credits - Colonel Blood and Medieval Christmas photos are © Historic Royal Palaces. Earl of Essex photo is © Board of Trustees of the Armouries of the Tower of London
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