I’ve started making a page to keep track of all of these events and exhibitions. I’ll upload it over the holidays and update it as more news comes in.
From the BBC:
A special exhibition to mark the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the throne is launching at Windsor Castle, the monarch’s one-time home and final resting place.
Henry VIII was proclaimed king on 23 April 1509, just before his 18th birthday, and reigned for almost 38 years until his death in 1547.
The exhibition explores the life of one of the most significant figures in the history of the English monarchy, bringing together treasures from the Royal Collection and the archives of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Are any of the venues coordinating exhibits? It would be lovely if each could have something totally different to offer, and not just the second page of a document because some other exhibit has the first. I will admit to not looking at each venue’s schedule as of yet, but how marvelous if there was a natural progression from place to place.
With St. George’s Chapel being Henry’s final destination I’m surprised the idea of recreating his funeral or other death observances aren’t the focus. Yes, 2009 is 500 years since his accession to the throne but his reign had to end sometime. Everybody else seems to be covering his monarch style and personal life in a fairly thorough basis. Why not his end?
Tracey, maybe they could do that on the 500th anniversary of his death, but this is the 500th anniversary of his ascension to the throne. It would be more appropriate and probably more interesting to have a re-creation of his coronation at Westminster Abbey, but that certainly isn’t likely to happen. I hope they have something though, as I am going to try to be at WA that day.