A Celebration of Tudor Croydon

Cover of 'A Celebration of Tudor Croydon' brochure.

In 1509 Henry VIII became king. To celebrate the 500th anniversary of
his accession to the throne, Croydon Council are supporting the 'Hidden
Treasures of the Mary Rose' exhibition, at Whitgift Conference Centre. This exhibition is now extended to 1 September 2009.


The Council is running a season of Tudor inspired events which will take place at Croydon Clocktower and in local libraries. All of these events are FREE and are suitable for a range of audiences and interests. Details of the exhibition and all events can be found on this page and in the brochures available from Croydon Clocktower, local libraries and Croydon Visitor Centre at East Croydon Station.


The brochure also features a tour map showing the locations of Tudor buildings and locations in Croydon, along with historical information about Croydon in Tudor times.


Some of Croydons heritage buildings are also opening to the public. Charges may apply at these venues.


We hope you enjoy this unique opportunity to find out about this period of British history and why it is relevant to Croydon today.


"Croydon is rightly proud of its Tudor history.
In this year of the 500th anniversary of Henry VIIIs accession,
Croydon Council is delighted to join
the Whitgift Foundation and the Mary Rose Trust Portsmouth
in celebrating history with this unique exhibition.
We are providing free access to the exhibition to all Croydon school pupils
to encourage their participation in this significant event,
as well as a range of Tudor-inspired activities throughout the borough."
Councillor Steve Hollands,
Croydon Council

Tudor Family Day
Saturday 30th May, 11am - 3pm
Play the lute, make your own jester bauble and learn to be a fool at our Tudor Family Day.
This fun day out will also feature Tudor dance performances by St Josephs RC Junior School and Safeplay Afterschool Club.
FREE
Queens Gardens, Katharine Street,
Croydon, CR9
In case of bad weather the Family Day will be held in Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street
Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

Museum Talks

All talks listed below take place in the Clocktower Activities Room on the ground floor of Croydon Clocktower. All talks are FREE and we strongly advise booking a place in advance.
Tel: 020 8253 1030.

Tudor connections in Croydon
Tuesday 5 May, 2.30 - 4pm
Join local historian Yvonne Walker, for a look at the buildings, locations and people with Tudor links to Croydon.

John Whitgift & his legacy to Croydon
Tuesday 2 June, 2.30 - 4pm
Join local historian Sue Turnbull, to find out about the life and importance of this controversial Tudor figure to 21st century Croydon.

The Old Palace in Tudor times
Tuesday 7 July, 2.30 - 4pm
Join Barbara Bevan, Chair of the Friends of Old Palace, for a look at the fascinating history of this important heritage building, especially in Tudor times.

John Whitgift’s Almshouses
Tuesday 4 August, 2.30 – 4pm
Join Ken Woodhams for an illustrated talk on this important Croydon landmark which has survived since the reign of Elizabeth I.

Historical Walking Tours

Join our FREE guided tours highlighting some of the buildings and locations in Croydon with Tudor connections. Tours depart at the stated time and last approximately one and a half hours. They are suitable for people of moderate fitness. If you have a disability, please advise us when booking so that we can ensure the tour is suitable for you.
We strongly advise booking a place in advance. Tel: 020 8253 1030.

Tudor Croydon with Chris Bennett
Thursday 23 April, 10.30am and Saturday 30 May, 10.30am & 2.30pm.
Meet at Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street entrance.

The Royal Road to Croydon with Brian Lancaster
Monday 15 June, 7.30pm.
Meet at Thornton Heath Station.

Heritage Building Open Days

Croydon’s heritage buildings which have Tudor connections are running open days. These events are not organised by the Council and charges may apply. The contact details for individual buildings are provided below.

Whitgift Alms Houses
Saturday 30 May, guided tours at 10am, 11.30am & 12.30pm.
Tours last approximately one hour.
FREE
Please book a ticket from Clocktower Ticket Office. Tel: 020 8253 1030.

Old Palace
Wednesday 15, Thursday 16, Friday 17 & Saturday 18 April and Thursday 28, Friday 29 & Saturday 30 May.
All tours begin at 1.45pm and last approximately two hours.
Adults £7, children under 16 £3, adults 60 plus £6 (price includes tea in the Banqueting Hall).
Tel: 01883 742969

Croydon Parish Church of St John the Baptist
Saturday 30 May, 10am – 1pm.
Visitors to this Grade I listed building will be able to see the tombs of Archbishops John Whitgift and Thomas Sheldon as well as many other memorials.
The building is fully wheelchair accessible.
Admission FREE, no booking required.
For more details see www.croydon-parish-church.org.uk

There are also Tudor related events running at your local library. Please download (see link below) or pick up a 'A Celebration of Tudor Croydon' brochure from your local library or Croydon Clocktower for a full list of what's on.

a_celebration_of_tudor_croydon_brochure.pdf (Format: pdf; File size: 834kb).