Henry VIII: Man and Monarch Exhibition at Kenilworth Castle

 Touring programme linked to the British Library’s major exhibition on Henry VIII visits Kenilworth Castle from 1 August to 23 August celebrating 500 years since the accession. 

Henry VIII is not only England’s best-known king, with his wives, his girth and his bloodthirstiness; he is also our most important single ruler. When he came to the throne, Henry was the Pious Prince who ruled an England at the heart of Catholic Europe; when he died, he was the Great Schismatic, who had created a national Church and an insular, xenophobic politics that shaped the development of England for centuries after his reign.

This superb touring exhibition highlights events that depict pivotal moments in the life and reign of Henry VIII, showing the man behind the monarch. The exhibition will examine the extraordinary transformations - personal and political, intellectual and religious, literary, aesthetic and linguistic - that took place in Henry’s reign, taking us behind the myth and exploring the King’s own mind.

The display will be accompanied by an enthralling ‘Turning The Pages’ interactive kiosk, enabling members of the public to digitally flick through the lavish pages of Henry’s Psalter.  Through the use of such technology, visitors will be able to read hand written notes, musings and annotations made by the great Tudor monarch.  The digital display will also be accompanied by a wonderful facsimile of a Two Part Double Cannon written in honour of the King and in celebration of the Tudor dynasty.

The exhibition will also be supported by a range of exciting educational and family events including a visit by the King himself on the weekends of 8/9 August and 15/16 August!  Historic re-enactor, Keith Kieron, will be wandering around the grounds of Kenilworth Castle, playing music and talking to his ‘subjects’.

"Kenilworth Castle was one of Henry VIII’s top three castles, and he invested a lot of money to rebuild and improve the castle during his reign,” says Kenilworth Castle’s visitor operations manager, Holly Woodward.  “We’re delighted to have this exhibition at Kenilworth over the summer months, especially during the 500th anniversary year since he ascended to the throne.  Visitors will get to see a new side of the most famous king of England!"

Roger Walsh, the British Library’s Head of Learning commented: “The British Library is 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.”