Find out how the Royals of England shaped Coventry
St Mary’s Guildhall on Bayley Lane in Coventry city centre(Image: Tristan Potter/CoventryLive)
As one of the country’s most important historical cities Coventry has a long and rich past when it comes to royal connections.
Such was Coventry’s prominence, the city even served as England’s capital briefly during the War of the Roses – but this isn’t our only connection to the kings and queens of yesteryear and this summer this history will be explored and celebrated at over the summer at one of our most important historical attractions.
St Mary’s Guildhall, the impressive 14 th century heritage venue in the heart of the city centre, is hosting Majestic Monarchs of St Mary’s Guildhall between Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, August 30.
It is a perfect opportunity to find out how the Royals of England shaped Coventry and the massive role they played in the development of the city and St Mary’s Guildhall, from partying to politics, from banquets to battles and all the drama in between.
Visitors will find out more about James II’s famous custard mishap, Princess Elizabeth’s narrow escape from the Gunpowder Plot, Richard II’s legendary duel that never was and George VI’s moving wartime visits to the city during the Blitz.
To kick off the fun, Coventry historians Adam Wood and Laura Keep will lead a walk in the footsteps of royal visits to Coventry by Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots, Edward VII, Edward VIII, George VI and many more, as visitors soak up the history in the area surrounding St Mary’s Guildhall following the successful launch of their Royal Coventry Book.
Walk With Kings and Queens will take place on Sunday, July 19, from 11.15am to 1.15pm. Tickets for this special event are £15 per person, including entrance to St Mary’s Guildhall, and pre-booking is essential.
Abi Moore, Heritage and Venue Manager at No Ordinary Hospitality, which operates St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “We wanted to create a programme that brings history to life and encourages families to explore St Mary’s Guildhall in a fun and interactive way this summer.
“Whether visitors are following one of our royal-themed trails, trying on historical costumes, solving clues, creating crafts or meeting our digital characters, there is something for all ages to enjoy while learning more about the fascinating role that royalty has played in Coventry’s history.
“St Mary’s Guildhall has welcomed kings, queens and other important figures throughout its long history, so it is the perfect setting for this summer’s activities. The exhibition and events give visitors the chance to discover some of the remarkable stories connected to the Guildhall while also creating lasting memories with family and friends during the school holidays.”
Entry to a wide range of other summer activities at St Mary’s will be reduced as part of the government’s campaign to promote Great British Summer Savings at eligible activities to reduce the cost of days out for families over the summer holidays.
Ms Moore added: “Another plus point is that the government’s initiative, the Great British Summer Savings scheme, is reducing the cost of days out for families at locations such as ours at St Mary’s Guildhall by cutting VAT for businesses so that is an extra incentive to come along and join in the fun.”
Throughout the holidays, the Kings and Queens theme continues with A Royal Progress Family Trail for youngsters to find colours in the rooms and then create a fun masterpiece, and The Crown Jewels Quest encourages older visitors to find the clues and uncover the secret code to open the treasure chest as well as use the jewels to create their own royal crown.
There will all be more on offer daily from Thursday to Sunday from July 18 to August 31,with some closures for private events so check the website for details at www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk/whats-on-guildhall
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