Hampshire Cultural Trust is travelling back in time this year to explore the battle for power throughout Hampshire’s long and illustrious royal history.
From April, Royal Blood: The fight for power in Hampshire will bring to life reigns of rampaging royals, transporting curious kids and history buffs alike to the heart of battles, terrifying sieges and opulent banquets through riveting re-enactments, exhibitions, performances and workshops across the county.
Hampshire is rich in royal power, having hosted many crucial events in English history, and Royal Blood blasts off on 9 April with a live re-enactment of the Civil War siege and storming of Basing House by The Sealed Knot, the nationally-renowned re-enactment society. The highly interactive events and exhibitions programme, organised by Hampshire Cultural Trust as part of its ongoing mission to bring world-class art and culture to people’s doorsteps, will draw to a close on 11 March, 2017.
Gallery exhibits will allow visitors a close-up look at priceless objects dating back to 400BC and through the Iron Age, Roman, Saxon, Norman, Angevin, Tudor and Stuart periods. There will also be a rare opportunity for visitors to view items on loan from the British Museum, including The Winchester Hoard, a unique collection of gold jewellery which has been described as the most important discovery of Iron Age gold objects in Britain since 1950.
Janet Owen, chief executive of Hampshire Cultural Trust, said:
“Last year’s DINOFEST2015 was a gigantic success. Thousands of visitors from across the country stormed into Hampshire for a year-long series of roarsome events and exhibitions.
“We are thrilled to be bringing Royal Blood to the county this year with such an exciting, informative and interactive series of events, exhibitions and performances to enjoy.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Hampshire and beyond to travel back in time with us and be part of this countywide celebration of our rich and royal heritage.”
The Royal Blood programme of events and exhibitions includes:
Sealed Knot Civil War re-enactment
· Basing House, Basingstoke, 9 – 10 April 2016
Take a step back in time and witness the turmoil of the English Civil War as the Sealed Knot society re-enacts the siege and storming of Basing House. The smell of gunpowder, clash of swords and battle cries will combine to evoke the stirring atmosphere of this attack on one of the great Royalist strongholds.
A great way for the whole family to experience living history.
Heads and Tales
· Andover Museum, 7 May – 9 July
· Westbury Manor Museum, Fareham, 14 May – 16 July
· Aldershot Military Museum, 21 May – 24 July
· Curtis Museum, Alton, 16 July – 17 September
· Red House Museum and Gardens, Christchurch, 23 July – 17 September
· Eastleigh Museum, 30 July – 24 September
This exhibition explores the Kings and Queens who have ruled our county over the last 2400 years through the coins of their eras, precious objects carefully preserved from their reigns and a special Royal Bloop family trail that highlights their humorous but horrible history. Visitors will gain an invaluable insight into the royals’ lives and loves, battles and deaths, and will be able to delve deeper into their local history.
The Mystery of the Vanishing Queen
· Milestones Museum Basingstoke, 19 July – 30 October 2016
The Queen is coming to Milestones Museum’s cobbled streets and the citizens are excitedly preparing for her royal pageant – but some have other ideas. A kidnap plot has emerged, so get dressed up in your Victorian best, follow the clues to reveal the conspiracy and be sure to telegram the police.
This brand new, interactive experience is perfect for curious kids, and for older history buffs, the latest Victorian-themed Escape Room challenge will get hearts and minds racing.
Births, Battles and Beheadings
· The Gallery at Winchester Discovery Centre, 5 November – 8 January 2017
· Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery, Basingstoke, 3 September – 29 October 2016
· The Gallery at Gosport Discovery Centre, 14 January – 11 March 2017
Explore the past 2000 years of English Royalty through objects and images that highlight the fascinating and bloody history of Kings and Queens. The show tells key royal stories, including tales of resolution and revolution, dignity and despair. At the heart of this fascinating exhibition are pieces from two Hampshire Iron Age treasure troves, the Winchester Hoard and the Alton Hoard, both on loan from the British Museum.
To find out more about Royal Blood visit: www.royalbloodhants.com
To find out more about Hampshire Cultural Trust visit: www.hampshireculturaltrust.
Hampshire Cultural Trust would like to thank the following for their invaluable contributions to Royal Blood exhibitions and events:
Arts University, Bournemouth
The British Museum
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester College
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