Kenilworth Castle prepares for the return of Elizabeth

Sunday 2 & Bank Holiday Monday 3 May 2010

This May Day Bank Holiday weekend, visitors to Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden could be easily deceived that the last 435 years did not happen, as the site is transported back to 1575, and the visit of Elizabeth I to her 'favourite', Robert Dudley.

Just as in 1575, the Queen's visit will be heralded with exhibition and display, from the noble art of falconry to one of Elizabeth I's other passions - mounted hunting!

"Elizabeth's 1575 visit to Kenilworth really did change the whole appearance and structure of the castle. The main entrance was moved to enable her to more easily access the nearby hunting grounds, and Dudley spared no expense in refurbishing the guest quarters and even building a brand new pleasure garden for her visit - a romantic gesture that he hoped would prove helpful in his attempts to woo the monarch!" explains visitor operations manager, Holly Woodward. "Sadly, history shows that his attempts failed, and the queen remained single until her death."

The relationship between Elizabeth and Dudley will form a key part of the event, with visitors invited to listen in on their 'private' conversations. How will the queen react to his advances, and did the hidden sexual messages in the Atlas fountain inflame or cool her ardour?

From 10.30am, the queen's courtiers will provide instruction and guidance for visitors on how they should conduct themselves in the presence of her majesty, with demonstrations and have-a-go sessions of Tudor dance, courtesy of musical duo, Hautbois. From noon, the hawks and raptors from Raphael Falconry will provide aerial entertainment of the highest order, showing why falconry was known as the 'sport of kings'.

A final lesson in etiquette at 12.30pm will ensure that all visitors are suitably prepared for the Queen's imminent arrival... and then the festivities really commence!

From 1.30pm, a horseback hunting display will give the queen an idea of what awaits her during her stay at Kenilworth - the queen spent several days hunting in the nearby grounds - whilst at 2.00pm, a specially-commissioned play will be performed for her delight and pleasure!

Visitors can enjoy an audience with the queen from 2.30pm and, assuming that no errors in etiquette have resulted in their summary execution, they will be able to join her for a further stunning display of falconry at 3.00pm. The Queen's ceremonial departure at 3.30pm will bring the event to a close, although visitors can continue to enjoy the castle's grounds and garden until 5.00pm.

'Elizabeth Returns' is being staged to mark the first anniversary of the Elizabethan Garden's opening. Thanks to this major re-creation project, visitors can walk around a historically-accurate re-creation of the garden that Dudley built for Elizabeth I’s visit in 1575, complete with knot gardens, centrepiece Atlas fountain, bejeweled aviary and trompe l’oeuil wooden obelisks, painted to replicate rare and valuable stone.

Admission prices for the event are £9.60 for adults, £8.50 for concessions and £5.80 for children, or £25.00 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children). English Heritage members receive discounted entry of £2.00 for adults, £1.50 for concessions and £1.00 for children. A family ticket is £5.00 for English Heritage members. Pre-booking is strongly recommended; tickets can be pre-booked by calling 0870 333 1183 or visiting www.english-heritage.org.uk/events

Please note that a Park & Ride service operated by Johnson’s Shuttle Bus runs every 10-15 minutes from 10am – 6pm from the Kenilworth Clock Tower bus stop (in front of Kenilworth Inn). Visitors are requested to park in the town centre car parks, charges may apply. (Disabled parking at the Castle). For more details, please contact Kenilworth Castle direct on 01926 852078, or visit the website at www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth 

For further media information, please contact:
Jay Commins
PRO – English Heritage
Tel: 0113 251 5698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@fim.org.uk