What's On
What's On: May
Getting to grips with history means understanding the whole story – including the gruesome bits. Terry Deary's Horrible Histories do just that, in a way that children can relate to instantly. Deary and the Imperial War Museum North have devised a new exhibition aimed at showing youngsters what the First World War was like for those who had to fight in it. We're sure Horrible Histories: Frightful First World War will have plenty to teach the adults, too.
Also this month, historic warbirds take to the air at Duxford, Jack the Ripper stalks the streets of Whitechapel, Bess of Hardwick reveals all and the Welsh are up in arms at Cosmeston. We're also featuring loads more exciting history events to amuse the whole family over the two Bank Holidays.
NORTH Imperial War Museum North
The Imperial War Museum North has teamed up with Terry Deary, the author of the best-selling Horrible Histories books, to present a new exhibition to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Horrible Histories: Frightful First World War is aimed at younger visitors – and it doesn't pull any punches. The exhibition includes specially commissioned Horrible Histories illustrations, rare artefacts and even authentic smells. (Images © Martin Brown and Imperial War Museum)When: opens May 24 Tel: 0161 836 4000.
NORTH Royal Armouries, Leeds
The reconciliation of the warring houses of York and Lancaster that ushered in the Tudor dynasty was a watershed in British history. The Royal Armouries Leeds celebrates this with a half-term Tudor Week. The highlight is a War of the Roses Joust on Bank Holiday Monday but there are also daily displays of falconry, horsemanship, craft and Tudor cookery. Look out for Henry VIII and his ladies, too.When: May 24-June 1 Tel: 08700 344344.
CENTRAL Imperial War Museum Duxford
This year is the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Air Force, so now is the ideal time to catch up with the service's distinguished history. The Imperial War Museum Duxford opens the 2008 flying season with its Spring Air Show on May 18. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane will take to the air, alongside a host of old and new flying machines. (Image © Brenda Marsh)When: May 18 Tel: 01223 835000.
CENTRAL Hardwick Hall
Bess of Hardwick was the most powerful woman in England after Elizabeth I herself. As part of the celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of Bess's death, Hardwick Hall is staging an "Elizabethan Strip" to reveal the many layers underpinning the magnificent costumes worn by wealthy Tudor women. Visitors will gain an understanding of the subtle nuances of Elizabethan clothing – but the strip won't go further than the ladies' shifts! Booking essential.When: May 12-13 Tel: 01246 858400.
LONDON Museum in Docklands
Jack the Ripper's murderous journey through late-Victorian Whitechapel left contemporary Londoners reeling with shock. That shock is still with us today, as Museum in Docklands launches Jack the Ripper and the East End, an exhibition exploring the murders and the legend that has grown up around their mysterious perpetrator. The displays include artefacts from the investigation, original police files and photographs, along with letters from the public and the supposed Ripper himself.When: opens May 15 Tel: 0870 444 3857.
LONDON Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace is famous today for the Art Deco Mansion completed by the Courtauld family in 1936. But the modern building is next to a 15th-century Great Hall, where Henry VIII spent much of his childhood. This month, the palace is returning to its roots with a Tudor Times weekend. Enjoy authentic dancing, fabulous costumes, period music, Tudor cuisine and a variety of other activities to keep the whole family amused.When: May 25-26 Tel: 020 8294 2548.
WALES Cosmeston Medieval Village
All is not well at Cosmeston Medieval Village. It seems the Lord of the Manor has been oppressing the local peasants and they're not happy about it. In fact, they're on the point of rebellion and visitors will experience a Medieval Welsh Uprising over the Bank Holiday. As well as the revolting natives, living history specialists will be on hand to demonstrate Medieval crafts and entertainments. When all the fighting's done, make friends over a hog roast.When: May 4-5 Tel: 02920 701678.
WALES Cardiff Castle
Maybe we wish it weren't so but, throughout history, military might has often triumphed over more peaceful strategies. In En Garde! The Power of the Sword, Cardiff Castle plays host to professional combat artists. Starting with the Romans, they demonstrate how the sword and other gruesome weapons have developed over the centuries. There are also displays based on Rome's Circus Maximus, featuring chariot-racing and spear drills.When: May 10-11 Tel: 029 2087 8100.
SCOTLAND Edzell Castle
Edzell Castle's Soldiers for the Covenant weekend reveals the vital role that Scots played in the English Civil War. What was the Covenant and why was it so important? As well as watching re-enactments of 17th-century clashes that shaped British history, you can visit the soldiers' camp and meet the surgeon. You can also hear what the minister has to say and see musket balls being made.When: May 17-18 Tel: 0131 668 8885.
SCOTLAND Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle has seen a lot of history, much of it bound up with the history of Scotland itself. During the castle's Legends weekend, you can meet some of the colourful characters that helped shape Scotland. Play your cards right and they might even let you have your photograph taken with them. Among the historical figures roaming the battlements will be William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.When: May 10-11 Tel: 0131 668 8885.
SOUTH National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is playing host to more than 200 military vehicles for its Trucks and Troops event over the Bank Holiday weekend. Highlights include a 1972 Huey helicopter, famous for its role in the Vietnam War, and a 26-tonne Sherman tank. Living history specialists will be on hand, telling visitors what life was like for the men and women who drove and fought in these vehicles.When: May 24-26 Tel: 01590 612345.
SOUTH Dover Castle
Romans, Tudors and soldiers from both world wars are among the characters gathering at Dover Castle for a Living History Spectacular over the Bank Holiday weekend. You can experience a bustling medieval marketplace or mingle with courtiers and servants in the castle keep. Norman knights will thrill you with their skills as jesters tell medieval jokes. There's even a Victorian policeman to keep you on the straight and narrow.When: May 24-26 Tel: 01304 211067.
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