HISTORY AT WEST HORSLEY PLACE
History comes to West Horsley Place this season with two events that are set to invigorate the senses and transport to you bygone times.
HOSTING HENRY VIII
West Horsley Place Trust have joined forces with Exeter University, Historic Royal Palaces and Powderham Castle for an exciting experiment in heritage interpretation. Hosting Henry VIII will be a Tudor festival like no other, full of living history, food and fun for the whole family. Join them for jousting displays, birds of prey demonstrations, Tudor dancing, food tasting and more, on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28.
In 1533, then owners, Henry & Gertrude Courtenay, Marquis and Marchioness of Exeter, invited King Henry VIII to West Horsley Place. Archival sources reveal preparations for such an occasion. Even the menu from the banquet itself has been preserved.
Now, 500 years on, the Tudor country house party will be reimagined in the very same location. Researchers from Historic Royal Palaces and Exeter University are collaborating with experts in historic cuisine, crafts and pastimes to recreate dishes from the banquet, clothing and accessories displayed by the Courtenays and the entertainment provided for their VIP guest.
Visitors will be able to reach-out-and-touch living history with specialists on site to conjure up Tudor food, clothing, jewellery, weaponry, and entertainments including music, archery and hawking. Explore the ancient Manor House at West Horsley Place, watch jousting displays, try out Tudor dancing and chat to experts in historic costume. Food and drink stalls will be available and there will be activities for all ages including have-a-go archery and shield painting.
Breaking new ground in visitor experience, the festival complements Historic Royal Palaces’ major new project on Tudor progresses, Henry VIII on Tour and a gala week celebrating the king’s imagined ceremonial entry to the West Country with live events planned at Exeter Cathedral and heritage sites in the city of Exeter (14-16 June) and at the present earl of Devon’s residence of Powderham Castle in Devon (17-21 June).
Book before the end of February and you can enjoy an early bird ticket offer! Adults are just £19 and children (ages 3 – 16 years) only £8 when you book now. All proceeds from ticket sales support the mission to repair and conserve West Horsley Place, which is currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register.