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Tudor events: Henry VIII celebration at Peterborough cathedral
Peterborough OROUGH Cathedral will provide the stunning backdrop for a major historical celebration of the passions of powerful Tudor monarch Henry VIII.
Peterborough OROUGH Cathedral will provide the stunning backdrop for a major historical celebration of the passions of powerful Tudor monarch Henry VIII.A love letter from the ruthlessly romantic royal, famed for having six wives, two of whom he had beheaded, along with a marriage contract and a variety of personal notes and his favourite prayer book will be on show during the month-long bonanza
In a massive coup for the city, the prestigious British Library has chosen Peterborough to stage the tour of the three-week event which is celebrating 500 years since the Tudor titan's accession to the throne.
And with Henry VIII's life and times back in the spotlight with BBC2's big budget drama The Tudor's starring Hollywood film star Jonathan Rhys Meyers on the screens, the exhibition's arrival on September 5 to cement the city's links with the king could not be more timely.
Among the highlights of the stellar exhibition will be a chance to read a love letter from Henry to Anne Boleyn, which has never before been seen by the public.
And his marriage contract to first wife Katharine of Aragon, who was buried at Peterborough Cathedral in 1536, will also be available to view.
For the bloodthirsty, a chilling list of people executed during his reign, including two of his ill-fated wives will be on show and will sit alongside some of his more personal items such as authentic handwritten notes and Henry's personal prayer book.
And the displays will be accompanied by an enthralling Turning The Pages interactive kiosk, enabling members of the public to digitally flick through the lavish pages of and written notes, musings and annotations made by the great Tudor monarch.
Launching the event will be a family Tudor Day on September, 5, with interactive tasks, trails, quizzes, competitions and family friendly activities, and the event will finish with a recital on September 26, featuring the Cathedral Choir.
Cathedral education and visitor officer Andrew Watson said the cathedral was "thrilled" to be chosen.
Mr Watson added: "As the last resting place of Katharine of Aragon and one of only five new cathedrals named by him when he created the Church of England, we feel Peterborough Cathedral has special links with Henry VIII.
"I hope as many people as possible locally will take the opportunity to visit this free exhibition and learn more about one of the most fascinating, and bloodthirsty of English kings."
And the British Library's head of learning Roger Walsh added: "We are delighted to be working with partners throughout the country to explore new aspects of Henry's reign with new audiences.
"Henry's impact was simultaneously national, international and local, and we hope this tour will enable visitors young and old to explore those connections for themselves."
For more information, call the Cathedral Office on 01733 355315 or e-mail andrew.watson@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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