Travel

CONQUERING NORMANS HOLD CHRISTMAS BASH AT THE TOWER

Brock Communications

November 23, 2004

LONDON, ENGLAND (November 23, 2004) - Christmas with the in-laws was no less arduous in Norman times than it is now, so pity poor costumed Matilda of Scotland, the intended bride of Henry I, as she attends the raucous revelries of a Norman Christmas at the Tower of London, December 27 – 31, 2004.

Visitors can join the Court each day all day as musicians, servants, soldiers and courtiers laugh, drink, sing and get very merry with the King in his newly finished mighty White Tower on the banks of the Thames. Even the Tower of London’s first ever prisoner, the Bishop of Durham, is present for the fun. But will the infamous rivalry between the new Norman rulers and their Saxon subjects, including Matilda herself, add even more drama to the proceedings?

This interactive event takes place between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the White Tower, is suitable for all the family and included in the Tower ticket price. Each scene takes about 15 minutes but the story develops over the day. The King and the Court will also deign to greet subjects in the Tower grounds during the day.

Bloody new displays!

From the Christmas holidays, exciting new displays in the infamous Bloody and Beauchamp Towers will explore their specific histories in the theme of Prisoners of the Tower using audio and visual technology as well as through changing images over time, historic objects and dramatic accounts. Learn more about the myths and legends of Tower prisoners including the sons of Edward IV - the 'Little Princes', Sir Walter Ralegh who spent 13 years as a prisoner here and Sir Thomas Overbury who was cruelly poisoned whilst incarcerated in the Tower. You can also add your own interpretation of history - consider the evidence and then cast your vote on who you think murdered the ‘Little Princes’.

Historic Royal Palaces, A Royal Charter Body with charitable stature, is responsible for the care, conservation and presentation to the public of the unoccupied royal palaces; HM Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House at Whitehall and Kew Palace with Queen Charlotte’s cottage. The official HRP website can be found at www.hrp.org.uk.