Events to turn the head at palace and castle

THE Easter holiday is a great excuse for doing a little sightseeing. While there s plenty to do in Times Territory there s also a couple of very interesting venues worth thinking about some miles away. For this year marks the 500th anniversary of King

THE Easter holiday is a great excuse for doing a little sightseeing.

While there's plenty to do in Times Territory there's also a couple of very interesting venues worth thinking about some miles away.

For this year marks the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII's accession to the throne.

And to celebrate the occasion Hampton Court Palace and The Tower of London are hosting a remarkable year-long programme of exhibitions and events.

Much of the White Tower in London's landmark castle has been set aside for an incredible display of Henry's armour and weapons.

There's also examples used by his contemporaries.

WHT editor Terry Mitchinson, who went to the press launch of the exhibition said: "It's well worth a visit.

"Much of what is on display has never been seen before.

"Plus, it's worth going to the Tower anyway as, just a short train trip away, is a place that has been at the centre of British history for hundreds of years."

At Hampton Court the Tudor monarch's life is cenebrated in an exhibition called, appropriately enough, Henry VIII: heads and hearts.

For the occasion Henry's palace has been majestically transformed with new displays, presentations and interpretations bringing the story of the King and his court to life as never before!

Visitors will be welcomed into Henry's Base Court where historically his guests were ceremoniously received 500 years ago. This restored Tudor courtyard will once again become a bustling hub of activity and drama as it was five centuries ago.

King Henry VIII's State Apartments have been lavishly re-presented, featuring magnificent new furnishings and important historic exhibits. The Great Hall will be laid out with tables ready for a feast fit for a King; the Great Watching Chamber will be lavishly adorned with furnishings inspired by those depicted in the 16th-century tapestries which hang in this historic room, and the Tudor processional route will be swathed with hangings bearing the Tudor rose and fleur-de-lis, together with portraits illustrating key characters from Henry's court.

King Henry's Council Chamber, a room in which many world-changing decisions were made, will be opened to the public for the first time.

There is a host of other events and attractions planned. For more information go to www.hrp.org.uk