Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of Henry VIII’s Accession

The Festival of British Archaeology will be contributing to this year’s celebrations commemorating 500 years since Henry VIII came to the English throne, with a number of events themed around the reign of the Tudor monarch, who famously had six wives.

Events range from taking a closer look at the excavations of the Tudor Palaces of Nonsuch, Elsying and Woking, to an exhibition about Henry’s ill-fated flagship, the Mary Rose, a light hearted production for children about Henry’s life and a family fun day with historical re-enactment including celebrations of Henry VIII’s accession.

See events below for more details:

What-Ho Henry!

Sat 1 – Sun 2 August, Conisbrough Castle, Conisbrough, Doncaster

Using their own unique style and with the help from children in the audience, BZents will entertain in this unforgettable play about the most famous of kings - Henry VIII.

Nonsuch Gold: Talk and Walk

Sat 18–Sun 19 July 09.00 –15.00, Bourne Hall Museum, Spring Street, Ewell, KT17 1UF

500 years since Henry VIII became king, and 50 years since Nonsuch was uncovered, this conference explores the wealth and power of Tudor palaces.

The Tudors: In Person and Under Your Feet

Sat 18–Sun 19 July 11.00–16.00, Forty Hall, Enfield

A Tudor Fayre and archaeological dig on the site of Elsyng Tudor Palace to celebrate the Festival of British Archaeology and 500 years since Henry VIII came to the throne.

Archaeology for All

Sat 25-26 July, Acton Court Tudor House, South Gloucestershire

Events include a Henry VIII themed event at the fantastic Acton Court Tudor house on the weekend of 25th and 26th of July (tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door).

Woking Palace Open Days

Sat 18–Sun 19 July 10.00-17.00, Woking Palace, Off Carters Lane, Old Woking, GU22 8JQ

Visit the 8 acre moated site of the medieval Manor and Tudor Palace of Woking, with its vaulted undercroft and Tudor walls beside the River Wey.

Heritage Heroes

Sun 19 July 11.00–16.00, Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve, Selsey Road, Sidlesham

Family fun day with historical re-enactment including celebrations of Henry VIIIs accession, a battle and historic encampment. Children’s crafts.

Hidden Treasures from the Mary Rose

Sat 18 July - Sun 2 Aug 10.00-17.00, Whitgift School, Nottingham Road, Haling Park, Croydon, CR2 6YT

An exhibition showing over 250 of the finest Tudor artefacts from the Mary Rose, most of which have never been seen before.

For more information about these events, visit the events listings for the Festival.