2009 is the 500 year anniversary of King Henry VIII's accession to the throne. He was proclaimed king on 22 April 1509 and crowned king on 24 June 2009 so celebrations are going on throughout the year. Find out about the celebrations in the London area.
1. Henry VIII Biography
Henry VIII is most well-known for being a larger than life character of British royal history who had numerous wives and brought about the Reformation (break away from the Catholic Church). Find out more...
2. Henry VIII Hotel
Yes, there had to be one. Why not stay at the Henry VIII Hotel while exploring Henry VIII's London? It has an indoor pool and is near Hyde Park.Address: 19 Leinster Gardens, London W2 3AN.
3. Hampton Court Palace
© hrp.newsteam.co.uk
Hampton Court Palace was a royal residence from the 1520s when King Henry VIII took over its development from Cardinal Wolsey. It is one of only two surviving palaces out of the many owned by Henry VIII and contains an important part of the largest private collection of art in the world, the Royal Collection, the property of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Special exhibition: Henry's Women
10 April - 3 August 2009
(Note, the Hampton Court Flower Show will be on during this time so you could combine a visit.)
Special exhibition: Henry's Women
10 April - 3 August 2009
(Note, the Hampton Court Flower Show will be on during this time so you could combine a visit.)
4. Tower of London - Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill
© Stephen Pond/HRP/newsteam.co.uk
The Tower of London was home to the kings and queens of England for many years. Public executions were held on Tower Green, including two of Henry VIII's wives: Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.
Special Exhibition: Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill
From 3 April 2009
A stunning new exhibition in the iconic White Tower, discover a slim, handsome Henry VIII with a lust for weapons and sport. Marvel at the flexibility of his armor, take a look behind the scenes of a jousting tournament, learn about the chivalry and pageantry of the times and uncover the stories hidden in the famous painting of the Field of the Cloth of Gold.
Special Exhibition: Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill
From 3 April 2009
A stunning new exhibition in the iconic White Tower, discover a slim, handsome Henry VIII with a lust for weapons and sport. Marvel at the flexibility of his armor, take a look behind the scenes of a jousting tournament, learn about the chivalry and pageantry of the times and uncover the stories hidden in the famous painting of the Field of the Cloth of Gold.
5. Eltham Palace
© English Heritage
Eltham Palace is a stunning Art Deco masterpiece of 20th century design. Textile magnates Stephen and Virginia Courtauld built their glamorous Art Deco London showpiece in 1936, next to the remains of a medieval royal palace which was originally Henry VIII's boyhood home. The dining room features stylish pink leather upholstered chairs and black-and-silver doors, portraying animals and birds from London Zoo.
- Tudor Trail for Children: 24&25 May,11am-5pm
Try and find Henry VIII and his six wives in this trail around the gardens of Eltham Palace. - King Henry's Joust: 20&21 June
See Henry VIII arrives at Eltham Palace and let the Courtly music take you back in time and witness a duo of fully armoured knights in a full contact joust.
6. British Library - Henry VIII: Man and Monarch
23 April - 6 September 2009The historian and broadcaster Dr David Starkey will guest-curate a major new exhibition at the British Library that looks beyond the myths and stereotypes surrounding Henry VIII, to address the inner intellectual journey of Henry's monarchy and re-examine our perceptions of the great Tudor monarch.
Amongst the 250 exhibits you can see Henry's own Prayer Book (smothered with annotations), portraits, musical compositions by Henry VIII, Henry and Katherine of Aragon's marriage contract, and a list of people executed during Henry's reign.
7. National Portrait Gallery - Henry VIII Remembered
20 December 2008 - 12 July 2009Room 16. Free.
Today's visual image of Henry VIII, who came to the throne 500 years ago in 1509, has been heavily influenced by Holbein's magnificent portraits. This display looks at lesser-known printed images of the king, dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and also includes portrait prints of some of those involved in the key events of his reign.
8. Hever Castle
Hever's Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife to Henry VIII, and has areas dating back to 1270.It later passed into the ownership of Henry's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. In 1903, William Waldorf Astor invested time, money and imagination in restoring the Castle, building the 'Tudor Village' and creating the gardens and lake.
9. Medieval Banquet
© Medieval Banquet
Dine like Henry VIII with a medieval banquet in London! The regal banquet takes place by flickering torchlight in vaulted cellars near the Tower of London. Mealtime entertainment is provided by King Henry VIII(!) and his fighting knights, strolling players and dancing wenches. After the show, there is music and dancing, or you could take a two minute walk to Tower Bridge and enjoy a panoramic view of London by night.
