The Queen's Beasts at Blenheim Palace

Using a mix of more than 1,000 discarded tin cans, car parts, water boilers and even a fire extinguisher, contemporary British sculptor Tom Hiscocks has created a stunning new interpretation of the ‘Queen’s Beasts’ - a set of 10 heraldic animals depicting the genealogy of Queen Elizabeth II.

'The Queen's Beasts'

The original sculptures were commissioned by the Ministry of Works to stand outside Westminster Abbey for the Queen’s coronation back in 1953.

Made from plaster, they were later given to Canada and stone replicas made in 1958 which now reside in Kew Gardens.

Tom’s newly-imagined ‘Beasts’ were first introduced to the Queen during her 2012 Diamond Jubilee tour, and they have now taken up residence in The Pleasure Gardens at Blenheim Palace as part of a new outdoor sculpture exhibition which opens this week.

He was inspired to recreate the ‘Beasts’ to reflect their traditional values encompassing strength, harmony, purity, power, wisdom, swiftness of purpose and military might, in a contemporary context.

Tom’s use of recycled materials is also a comment on the use and sustainability of resources today where so much is considered disposable.

‘The Queen's Beasts’ by Tom Hiscocks are on display in the Pleasure Gardens at Blenheim Palace from May 1st - June 30th.

Meet Queen Elizabeth… at England’s greatest Elizabethan house - Burghley.

Queen Elizabeth Portrait

Four centuries after it was built in her honour, Queen Elizabeth I is returning to England’s greatest Elizabethan house… well, sort of!

A new event has just been added to Burghley’s 2014 programme offering visitors a chance to not only be amazed by the stunning Elizabethan architecture of the house and estate – but also enjoy ‘An Audience With Elizabeth I’.

Built by her chief minister William Cecil, Burghley House in Lincolnshire was originally designed as a grand tribute to the Queen, and is still lived in by a direct descendant of Lord Burghley.

Despite there being a Queen Elizabeth Bedroom among the magnificent state rooms open to the public, Elizabeth never actually stayed at Burghley, with her one planned visit called off at the last minute because William Cecil’s daughter had smallpox.

But 400 years later, there will be a chance to see Queen Elizabeth at Burghley!

Evening drinks in the Orangery Restaurant – housed in a building that provided space for the family’s love of horticulture and designed by Capability Brown – will be followed by a glittering presentation by Lesley Smith, Curator of Tutbury Castle, in character as Queen Elizabeth I at the special ticketed event on Friday, 23rd May 2014.

Held in the Great Hall – boasting a remarkable double hammer-beam roof 60ft tall that was used as a banqueting hall in Elizabethan days – the lecture will transport guests back to the time of Drake, Raleigh and Shakespeare on England’s voyage into the Renaissance.

Renowned Elizabethan historian Lesley Smith will talk about the profound effects on English and European politics of the Protestant queen who went on to rule England longer than any other monarch before her.

An Audience with Elizabeth I

 starts with drinks in the Orangery at 6pm and the lecture ends around 8.30pm.

Tickets are £14 and include a glass of wine and places are limited so the advice is to book early.

For full details of opening times, events and to book online tickets, visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.Burghley, near Stamford in Lincolnshire, has been the home of the Cecil Family for over 400 years and is England’s greatest Elizabethan House. Burghley is owned and maintained by Burghley House Preservation Trust, which looks after a huge collection of great works of art, including one of the most important private collections of 17th century Italian paintings, the earliest inventoried collection of Japanese ceramics in the West, exceptional 18th century furniture and wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons and his followers. The Trust also maintains a 13,000-acre estate including residential, commercial and agricultural lettings, woodland and Burghley Park, which is open daily at no charge.
The House is open from Saturday 15 March to Sunday 2 November 2014, daily (except Fridays) from 11am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm). Admission: House and The Gardens of Surprise - adults £13; children (3–15 years) £6.50; seniors/students £11.80; family (2 adults & 2 children) £35.

Jubilee gun salute, regal music and an alternative ‘Queen’… a Royal tribute year for Burghley House

England’s greatest Elizabethan house will be marking Diamond Jubilee year with a summer of celebrations, including a regally themed Battle Proms music spectacular – and a tribute to Britain’s own musical monarch!

As the country gears up for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, the ancestral home of Queen Elizabeth I’s most trusted adviser - William Cecil, Lord Burghley - is hosting its own patriotic celebrations.

Since being built 400 years ago by William Cecil, Elizabeth I’s chief minister, Burghley House has dominated the sweeping approach to the Georgian stone town of Stamford.

Today, it still packs that ‘wow’ factor – offering a packed family day out with a combined ticket giving access to the House plus two gardens, including the Tudor-inspired Gardens of Surprise.
Regarded by many as England’s greatest Elizabethan house, Burghley will host Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in June as part of their UK tour when up to 10,000 guests are expected to have a picnic with The Queen at an invitation-only summer picnic.
But there will be plenty more going on during the summer, both in the house and in the sweeping grounds, for visitors who want to join in national celebrations.

A Jubilee Jamboree (2nd – 10th June) will offer summer activities for youngsters at an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed festival, boasting tea parties, sporting events and have-a-go fun, including painting your own teacups!

For a spectacular afternoon and evening of summer entertainment, the annual Battle Proms at Burghley (7 July 2012) will this year have a Royal theme too – along with its usual mix of mounted cavalry, Spitfire aerial display and soul-stirring orchestral music.

For 2012 a special Diamond Jubilee Gun Salute will be provided by the gunners of the English Field Artillery Company who will fire a volley of shots from an authentic vintage field gun.
With the magnificent Burghley House as the backdrop, the event closes with the traditional sing-along, flag-waving proms finale, including favourites Rule Britannia, God Save the Queen and Land of Hope and Glory, culminating in a dazzling firework spectacular.

Jubilee celebrations will continue in to autumn at Burghley thanks to its annual Flower Festival (6th-14th October) - when the State Rooms are transformed with floral displays created by local flower societies – which this year will also have a Jubilee theme.
And the alternative Queen?

How about an open air concert in front of the Elizabethan house by Mercury - one of the world’s most authentic tributes to rock’s most flamboyant front man Freddie Mercury and Queen.
Mercury faithfully and accurately recreate the distinctive Queen experience
 and will be playing Burghley on Saturday
 9th June 2012.

For full details visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.

Norfolk Estate’s Jubilee Celebrations to Launch with Charity Concert in aid of Local Hospital

 A Norfolk country estate will be launching its Jubilee celebrations with music from the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and our present Queen in a charity concert in aid of King's Lynn Hospital League of Friends.

On Friday June 1 at 7pm Holkham Hall will be hosting the concert ‘Long May She Reign’, marking the start of its Diamond Jubilee celebrations with music performed by an impressive line-up of talented musicians.

Funds from the concert will go towards King's Lynn Hospital League of Friends, whose main objective is to raise money for the purchase of equipment and amenities in local hospitals.

Performers include the tenor Stephen Miles, pianist Gill Smith, lutenist Peter Trent, the Wensum Chorale and Holborne Recorder Consort, who will make a fitting musical launch to three days of Jubilee celebrations at the hall. Music will include Britten folk songs, lute solos and madrigals from the reign of Elizabeth I and music from the 1950s onwards in a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II.   

Festivities will continue throughout the weekend with a 1950s inspired fun, fashion and food event. On Sunday 3, Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 the Hall, Bygones Museum and courtyard will be alive with activities and events including period cooking demonstrations, a fashion show and rock and roll music – promising to create a lively party atmosphere.

Inspired by the Queen’s 1,000 boat flotilla on the Thames, younger visitors will have the chance to help build Holkham’s own royal flotilla, which will be floated on the lake on Tuesday June 5.

Concert tickets cost £20 and include a glass of wine in The Saloon during the interval. Tickets for the flotilla workshop cost £15 per child.  Normal admission prices apply for the 1950s inspired celebrations. For more information visit www.holkham.co.uk or call 01328 713111.

Music, fashion and food from the 1950s inspire country estate’s diamond jubilee celebrations Holkham Hall

A Norfolk country estate has announced plans to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with music, fashion and food inspired by the 1950s.  

There will be a musical start to the celebrations on Friday June 1 at 7pm, with a charity concert featuring music from the reigns of Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II, with funds from the evening going to the King’s Lynn Hospital League of Friends.

On Sunday 3, Monday 4 and Tuesday 5, 10am to 5pm, Holkham will be celebrating The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with activities, food and entertainment from the decade The Queen came to throne.

Visitors to the hall between 12pm and 4pm can see a fifties fashion show, with guest appearances from Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. The hall will be dressed for the occasion, with the dining room laid for a special Jubilee dinner and demonstrations of 1950s cooking taking place in the Old Kitchen.  Adding to the party atmosphere in the courtyard and Bygones Museum, rock and roll music will be performed along with Max Miller-style comedy, 1950s inspired refreshments and family games, activities and crafts.

In recognition of The Queen’s 1,000 boat flotilla on the Thames, younger visitors can help Holkham build their own flotilla in the ‘Holkham Ahoy’ children’s workshops from 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm on all three days. They can watch their creations floated on the lake on the last day of the Jubilee celebrations.

For further information and individual admission prices contact 01328 713111 or visit www.holkham.co.uk.

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations at the Treasure Houses of England

Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in classic Royal style at the magnificent Treasure Houses of England. Hosting an array of eclectic events – and with intrinsic links to the monarchy - the historic houses make the perfect venues to mark this momentous occasion. 

Beaulieu’s fabulous 50’s themed event features a range of entertainment for all the family (2nd-5th June), including a drive-in of 50’s vehicles, live jazz from Riverboat Days and old style fun fair rides and stalls. 

A Jubilee Bank Holiday Celebration Weekend will amaze all visitors to Blenheim Palace (2nd-5th June). With children’s characters Rupert the Bear and Noddy & Big Ears delighting the crowds on 3rd, Bunbury’s Celebrity Cricket Match and afternoon tea on 4th and Massed Brass Bands on 5th – it look set be to a wondrous weekend out.

Follow in the footsteps of the Queen herself who is scheduled to visit Burghley House as a part of her Jubilee Tour. Admire its gorgeous Elizabethan architecture, ‘Capability Brown’ landscaped parklands and internationally revered collections.  A Jubilee Jamboree (2nd – 10th June) will offer summer activities for youngsters at an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed festival, boasting tea parties, sporting events and have-a-go fun, including painting your own teacups!

Commemorate Half Term at Chatsworth (2nd - 10th June) with a 1950s extravaganza of events and activities to amuse and enthral the family in true celebratory style. Their four day British summer fete and street party (2nd –5th June) will recreate the original Coronation via a giant street party in the garden complete with fancy dress, bunting and flag decorations, and village fete.   Also hosting Royal walking tours, wool spinning crafts and giant TV screen to transmit the live action and procession as it happens; Chatsworth will deliver an inspired and memorable event for all.

Don’t miss Harewood House’s spectacular street party (2nd 5th June, 10am-4pm). Displaying exciting TV coverage on screens placed throughout the venue, enjoy quintessentially English food, craft activities and several special exhibitions (31st March – 17th June). ‘Royal Harewood: Celebrating the Life of The Yorkshire Princess’, and ‘Marcus Adams: Royal Photographer, photographs from the Royal Collection’ offers a unique insight into the life of HRH Princess Mary in Yorkshire, including some previously unseen items from her Faberge and Fan collection, many given as gifts when Harewood was a Royal Household.  In the Terrace Gallery, intimate photographs of a young Monarch to-be will be on view for the first time in the UK in 2012 to celebrate this special year.

Holkham Hall’s new exhibition highlights the 400-year long royal connection between the monarchy and Holkham’s Coke family establishment (April-October). Delve into the archives, library, personal records and photos to discover original items that illustrate the spellbinding story.  In addition, Holkham and Black Knight Historical celebrate the Jubilee (3rd - 5th June) with a true party atmosphere as the Hall, Bygones Museum and Courtyard become alive teeming with activities and events inspired by the 1950s such as a flotilla workshop and 1950s café menu.

 

For a distinctly British party, head to Leeds Castle for their Diamond Jubilee 1950s Weekend (2nd & 3rd June). Relish cream teas, 1950s cars and engines and picnic in style as the Thames Pageant is broadcast on a big screen.

In the evening, enjoy a vintage newsreel of the Coronation, highlights of the day’s events and 1950s blockbuster Grease ahead of fantastic fireworks accompanied by music.  Leeds Castle will also be staging a Jousting Tournament (5th - 10th June) where Medieval activities – including a craft marquee for children - and various entertainment will wow the masses as they are treated to twice-daily jousting tournaments from knights on horseback in the grounds of the incredible 900-year old castle.

Head to Hatfield House on Monday 4th June as they light a jubilee beacon as part of the celebrations.

Woburn Abbey will have a special trail around the house allowing children to investigate the many links between Woburn, the Dukes of Bedford and the Royal Family.  There will be lots to please all the family, from lawn games to a special Jubilee Afternoon Tea and the opportunity to find yourself in our 19th century Hornbeam Maze (not normally open to the public).

For more information on other events visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Gold medals and movie magic . . . a royal Olympic year for Burghley House

England’s greatest Elizabethan house will be offering visitors a unique take on Britain’s Olympic year including perhaps the most scenic place to watch the London 2012 Games – and the picturesque venue for a blockbuster summer feast of movie outdoor screenings.
Throw in fun family events, free-to-enter Fine Food Markets, summer picnics plus Diamond Jubilee celebrations and Lincolnshire’s Burghley House is setting its sights on a bumper 2012.
 
As Britain prepares for Olympic glory and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, one of the country’s most inspirational past Olympic champions is being celebrated at the ancestral home of Queen Elizabeth I’s most trusted adviser.
 
Since being built 400 years ago by William Cecil, Lord Burghley - Elizabeth I’s chief minister - Burghley House has dominated the sweeping approach to the Georgian stone town of Stamford. Today, it still packs that ‘wow’ factor – offering a packed family day out with a combined ticket giving access to the House plus two gardens, including the Tudor-inspired Gardens of Surprise.
 
Regarded by many as England’s greatest Elizabethan house, Burghley has a unique claim to fame for its 2012 season - as home to an Olympic Gold Medal Winner and one of the key organisers behind the last Olympic Games to be staged in London. 
 
David Cecil, Lord Burghley (1905-1981), who inherited the title of Marquess of Exeter from his father in 1956, was one of the golden athletes of his generation. During a sporting career spanning more than a decade he won every available honour in his chosen discipline culminating in achieving gold for the 400 metres hurdles at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics and silver in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics 4x400 metre relay.
 
Lord Burghley’s great talent as a hurdler and his life at Cambridge was the inspiration behind Lord Lindsay, one of the key characters in the film Chariots of Fire, played by Nigel Havers – a movie which features in Burghley’s summer night film outdoor screenings.
 
Burghley House will be dedicating its annual Treasury Exhibition to the Olympic connections and sporting achievements of the Gold medal winning Olympian. ‘An Olympian at Burghley’ will show memorabilia including his running outfit, medals and information about his sporting career.
 
And for those who want to watch the Olympics in a spectacular setting, Burghley will be throwing The Great Olympic Garden Party every day during the London Games. With the Elizabethan house as the backdrop, Burghley’s normally closed private South Gardens will host a Big Screen, showing TV coverage from Saturday 28th July to Saturday 11th August – and included for free with a normal house and gardens ticket.
 
Access to the screen will be available 10am to 10pm, last admission 6pm, with special late night tickets after 6pm at a reduced rate. A special Olympic Pass will also be available covering the whole period, while day tickets will be given as wristbands in the colours of the Olympic Rings. Visitors who collect all five will get free admission for the rest of the period.
 

A summer evening festival of outdoor screenings will feature four special film nights, launching on Saturday 28th July with iconic sports movie Chariots of Fire, followed by three other movie screenings on Wednesday 1st August, Thursday 2nd August and Friday 3rd August.
 
Fittingly for a house so closely linked to the first Elizabethan period, Burghley will also be joining in celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June, while there will once again be children’s events in summer and autumn as well as the annual free-to-enter Burghley Fine Food Markets at Easter, summer and Christmas.
 
For full details visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.

Burghley, near Stamford in Lincolnshire, has been the home of the Cecil Family for over 400 years and is England’s greatest Elizabethan House. Burghley is owned and maintained by Burghley House Preservation Trust, which looks after a huge collection of great works of art, including one of the most important private collections of 17th century Italian paintings, the earliest inventoried collection of Japanese ceramics in the West, exceptional 18th century furniture and wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons and his followers. The Trust also maintains a 13,000-acre estate including residential, commercial and agricultural lettings, woodland and Burghley Park, which is open daily at no charge.
 
The House is open from Saturday 17th March to Sunday 28th October 2012 daily (except Fridays) from 11am to 4.30pm (Saturday 28th July to Saturday 11th August, open every day including Fridays, with Big Screen access 10am to 10pm, last admission 6pm). Admission: House and The Gardens of Surprise - adults £12.50; children (3–15 years) £6.30; seniors/students £11.20; family (2 adults & 2 children) £33.