Katharine of Aragon Festival
Join us for our annual festival to celebrate the life of the first wife of Henry VIII, a woman of significant historical importance who was buried at Peterborough Cathedral in 1536.
The three days of the festival include worship, fun Tudor activities for children and history events for adults.
This is an event organised in partnership between Peterborough Cathedral, Peterborough City Council and Vivacity.
*Friday 27th January 2012
10.30am – Katharine of Aragon Commemoration Service*
Our annual service commemorates the life of Katharine of Aragon, with children from schools across the local area taking part, along with historical musicians Hautbois leading the procession from the city.
5.00pm – Sung Vespers
A service of sung evening prayer with music from the era of Katharine of Aragon.
*Saturday 28th January 2012
10.00am to 3.00pm – Tudor Living History Day*
Join us for a day packed with activities for history fans of all ages. Enjoy some Tudor dancing and music, get involved with Tudor crafts, make a visit to the apothecary’s surgery and much more. There’s even a chance to meet Katharine and Henry VIII!
10.00am and 2.00pm – Cathedral Tower Tours
Reach the highest parts of the Cathedral interior and its roof with a guided Tower Tour that brings a unique perspective on the building’s history and architecture. Due to the climbing, the height and the narrow staircases, these tours are unsuitable for children under ten or anyone suffering from an unsuitable health condition. Please note also that the tours can only be run if weather permits. Tickets: £10 per person.
10.00am and 2.00pm – Children’s Tours with ‘Old Scarlett ’
Let the Cathedral’s famous gravedigger Old Scarlett take you on a tour with a difference, packed with stories of Cathedral life in the 16th century. Suitable for children age five and above and accompanied by an adult. Tickets: £3 per adult, £2 per child. For all tours, please call Amber on 01733 355300 for more details or to reserve your tickets.
7.30pm – Talk on Henry VIII’s Grandma – the life of Margaret Beaufort
Let us take you through the life of an historical figure with local connections: Lady Margaret Beaufort was born at Bletso Castle in Bedfordshire and later lived at Collyweston near Stamford. Her fascinating life included four marriages, involvement in the Wars of the Roses and the founding of two Cambridge colleges. The talk will be delivered by Stuart Orme of Peterborough Museum, an entertaining speaker with an outstanding knowledge of local history. Tickets: £5 or £3 concessions, available from Peterborough Visitor Destination Centre in person or to reserve please call 01733 452336.
*Sunday 29th January 2012
2.00pm – Tudor walk around Peterborough*
This historical walk guided by Stuart Orme will show you some hidden secrets of Peterborough with
strong Tudor connections. Tickets: £5 or £3 concessions, available from Peterborough
