State & Ceremonial

Why have the royal succession changes still not been brought into effect?

By
10th February 2015
Four years ago, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Australia, an agreement was made between those 16 countries who retain The Queen as their Head of State that there would be changes to the royal succession laws. Specifically in order that women would be given equal rights to succeed to the throne as men. Four years on and despite an Act of Parliament being passed in the…
Read more
History

Winchester Cathedral announce plans to lift the lids of historic mortuary chests

By
8th February 2015
Plans have been announced by Winchester Cathedral to lift the lids of their historic mortuary chests. It is believed that the historic tombs contain the mortal remains of some of the early Royals of Wessex. The chests, which have been assessed as part of the Cathedral’s conservation work, rest in the Lady Chapel and are thought to also contain the remains of three bishops as well as a host…
Read more
Palaces & Buildings

Hampton Court Palace seeking actors to celebrate its 500th anniversary

By
4th February 2015
As Hampton Court Palace celebrates 500 years of history this year, the search has begun for young actors who can bring history to life during the year-long festivities. The Palace is looking for 70 actors between the ages of 16 and 20, to be a part of the TimeQuake event at the end of May and perform live in front of the thousands of visitors that the Palace will attract this year. Henry VIII…
Read more
History

Henry VIII's gardening manual 'unearthed'

By
29th January 2015
Buckingham Palace curators may have dug deep (pun intended) to find out Henry VIII may have had interest in gardening and referred to the world’s first gardening manual for inspiration. Front page of the gardening manual, c. 1490-5, showing inscription by Richard Rawson, the king’s chaplain, and an inventory number for Henry VIII’s library. Royal Collection Trust / copyright Her…
Read more