Living History Tours

Are you a seeker of knowledge, have you ever wondered what it would have felt like to have lived during the Renaissance, or are you just wondering why Quavo the Master Slaver carries around that large stick with feathers on it? To find some answers and maybe even some more questions, let our Guild of Guides take you on one of our Living History Tours. No matter what the reason for your quest of knowledge, when you join a tour you will be completely immersed in the Canterbury shire of the late 16th century…

Tour Sites :
The Apothecary: Will be able to explain the difference between his job and a ‘doctor.'
The tour guides will be able to bring up Henry’s fear of disease and ardent support of the Apothecary arts.
The Armorist : Will demonstrate his craft and importance to the city, not only for martial tools, but for everyday needs for the townfolk.
Leonardo daVinci : Leonardo's travelling workshop hosts hands-on experiments appropriate for children, such as the "Air Cannon." See and operate the digging hoists used in an attempt to reroute the Arno River around the city of Pisa. Try Leo's mystifying "Sky Hook" and help test his latest prototype of the Catapult. Ask any questions you like, and learn colorful background information about his masterpieces, "Mona Lisa," and "The Last Supper."
The Broom maker: Never underestimate the need for a good, sturdy broom ! This man will show you how it’s made and why it was important!
The Rat Lady : Amongst the many occupations paid to ‘exterminate’ the creatures in an attempt to slow the spread of the disease. Also cats and dogs fell victim to these exterminators.
The most lethal disease of Harry’s England was the ‘Sweating’ sickness, also known as sudor anglicus. Still not identified, it was thought to have killed his brother Arthur.
Schoolmaster : Alfred the Great, in the last part of the 9th century, was the first Anglo-Saxon king to realize the importance of education and began a nation wide program < Southern England only >. His legacy carried on into Henry VIII’s time, and such schools in England were viewed as not just important, but essential for not only the enrichment, but the very survival of his nation.
Seamstress: A very important part of society, most ‘upper’ class women were adept at sewing, although a skilled seamstress was always a treasure and a boon to any court. Henry was well known for his wardrobe. The guide will point out along the route what separates noble from commoner.
The Royal Lacers: Just as important as a good seamstress, a good lacer was a boon to any court, and added flair and style to Henry’s fashionable appearance.
Squire: From the Latin for Shield Bearer, in this era, a squire was generally a second son of a wealthy family, who, unable to inherit the family fortune, had a chance for fame and glory by military service. Squires, were as young as age 12, and did see battle in all the fields of Europe as well as the Holy Land.
Wizard < wand tester > : Will, along with the guides, discuss magic and its uses, beliefs and credibility in the era and in Henry’s court.
Yeomen Camp: The Yeomen follow Henry every where he goes. He leaves Yeomen Warders, in RED, to hold the Tower of London in his name, while the Yeomen Body Guard, in black, follow him in battle and serve to protect him, and the crown. The Yeomen camp will depict what happens when the King comes to a strange town, the army moves in and sets up camp. They will demonstrate weapons, armor, and combat tactics of the age. The guides will be able to tell how Henry VIII, wanting to repeat the glory of Henry V, whose family his father deposed, lead several campaigns against France, as well as the Holy League, of Charles V of Spain.

Our Living History Tours are available daily from 10am – 6pm. Tours leave every half hour, and reservations are required, so register early to assure your group’s place on the tour schedule.

CLICK HERE to register your tour today!