Groups visiting the Queen’s House at Royal Museums Greenwich will soon be able to get a unique insight into the clothes worn by the Tudors and Stuarts with a new costume demonstration.
Undressing the Tudors and Stuarts, which opens to the public from Friday, will allow visitors to discover the significance of clothing and the importance it played within society during that era.
The demonstrations are ideal for groups of 20 and will be running at the Museum indefinitely. GTOs should contact the travel trade team on traveltrade@rmg.co.uk to book a visit.
What does the demonstration involve?
Groups visiting will discover how clothing was worn in the past and learn about fashion trends that dominated that era.
The demonstration will take place in front of the back drop of the Armada portrait of Queen Elizabeth I. The painting is on permanent public display as part of the national collection in the Queen's Presence Chamber in the Queen’s House, on the site of the original Greenwich Palace, where Elizabeth I was born.
Like many Tudor portraits, it is packed with meaning and metaphor. Elizabeth’s upright posture, open arms and clear gaze speak of vitality and strength. Guests can learn about the meaning of her dress, with a chance to touch and feel fabrics similar to those worn by the Tudors.
Eleanor Harris, director of visitor experiences and enterprises at the museum, commented: “The Undressing the Tudors activity brings a fantastic interactive element to the offer for groups at Queens House.
“Visitors will be able to feel like they are being transported back in time to learn in a fun and informative way. Where better to learn about this fascinating moment in history than Greenwich, a location which is closely linked to the most recognised names from the Tudor era.”
Greenwich’s connections with royalty
Greenwich's royal connections go back to the 15th century. Three Tudor monarchs were born in Greenwich and James I also lived there, giving the borough to his wife Anne.
It was used by members of the royal family until 1805, when George III granted the Queen’s House to a charity for the orphans of seamen, called the Royal Naval Asylum. This remained until 1933, when the school moved to Suffolk. It was taken over by the National Maritime Museum in 1934.
Group information at Royal Museums Greenwich
Bookings for ten or more can benefit from special rates, and special arrangements can be made upon request.
A selection of tours can also be arranged for your group to make the most of the museums which include the National Maritime Museum, Cutty Cark, Queen's House, and Royal Observatory.
For more information, visit www.rmg.co.uk.
