Events

Acton Court will open to the public Wednesday 29 May to Sunday 30 June 2024

 Self-guided audio tours, events and workshops.

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Thursday 27 June 2024

The King’s Heralds

Heralds and Heraldry at the College of Arms

A talk by one of His Majesty's heralds Dr Dominic Ingram, Portcullis Pursuivant. 

The history of heraldry and the role of the heralds is a fascinating story going back to medieval times. Heralds' royal duties today are ceremonial including roles at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral and the Coronation of Charles III. They also provide the important task of maintaining the official registers of coats of arms and genealogical pedigrees, ranging from the heralds' progresses of the Tudor and Stuart periods to modern times. Dr. Ingram gives an insider's view into the College of Arms and how heralds run their practices today.

Admission time: 16:30 -18:00 (light refreshments included) 

Admission prices: Adult £10.00 plus Eventbrite booking fee. Children, 11 and under, by arrangement, email info@actoncourt.com

Please Note: This event is upstairs with no disabled access.

Book via Eventbrite as a guest using your credit or debit card or with your Paypal Account.

Eventbrite recommends using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers for the best experience. If you are using Safari browser you may need to disable your pop-up blocker.

Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 June 2024

Tudors, Magic and Music

Come to Acton Court’s end of season weekend which is always a joyous occasion. This year our special guests and activities include: 

Magician Greg Chapman - Greg will be bringing some extra magic to Acton Court, this summer as he performs magic tricks from throughout history concentrating on the 16th Century. He shares stories from centuries past and gives visitors some inside information about the history of magic and how early entertainers saved themselves from accusations of Witchcraft!

Greg has been a professional magician for nearly two decades, and is also the author of 'Greg and Felicity's History of Magic’. 

Greg Chapman's website  >>

Henry VIII and his groom of the stool - will be welcoming visitors and enlightening them about Court protocol.

Lady Samantha - performs a dressing up and a dressing down of a Tudor Lady. Once dressed, Lady Samantha, her ladies in waiting and the King will lead visitors in some simple dance as performed in Tudor times. Visitors will also be invited to play a game of croquet and lawn bowling, both popular with the Tudors. 

Lady Samantha's website  >>
 
The Merchant’s House Musicians - will be providing traditional Tudor music on replica period instruments, including pipe and tabor, recorders of various sizes, gems horn, crumhorn, drums and percussion. Mary and Richard are happy to talk about their music and instruments during the day.

Birds of Prey - Owl Occasions will be on site with their birds of prey.

South Gloucestershire Owl and Bird of Prey Conservation on Facebook >>

Painting activity - the artist in residence will engage visitors in a Tudor creation inspired by Acton Court’s decorations.

Display of Tudor Court Dress as worn by King Henry and his six Queens.

Admission times: There will be two time slots 10:30 -13:00 and 14:00 -16:30.

Admission prices: Adult £15.00 plus Eventbrite booking fee. Children, 11 and under, by arrangement, email info@actoncourt.com. 

There will be no audio guides for this event but visual and written information will be provided. Blue Badge Guides will be on site to answer your questions.

Book via Eventbrite as a guest using your credit or debit card or with your Paypal Account.

Eventbrite recommends using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers for the best experience. If you are using Safari browser you may need to disable your pop-up blocker.

There is free parking and partial access for disabled visitors.

Light refreshments are available on site: tea, coffee, soft drinks, ice cream and a wide selection of cakes and pastries, including gluten free options.

Click below to view past events