The Katharine of Aragon Festival 2025
This Non-FRAG event is jointly organised by Peterborough Cathedral and Peterborough Museum
See their websites for full details, pricing etc
The Festival is a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the rich history of the Tudor era. It honours the life and legacy of Katharine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII.
The annual festival invites visitors to immerse themselves in the captivating stories, traditions, and culture of the 16th century. Discover a week filled with engaging talks, guided tours, family-friendly activities, and live historical reenactments, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Cathedral where Katharine remains to this day.
Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable experience, the Katharine of Aragon Festival promises a fascinating journey into the past. Join us as we celebrate this remarkable queen and explore the enduring Tudor heritage of Peterborough.Pre-Festival Activities
Wednesday 22nd January 2025
Cathedral Tudor Tour
A costumed tour with a Tudor focus including the tombs of Katharine of Aragon and Mary Queen of Scots, the gravedigger who inspired Shakespeare, the Tudor ‘New Building’ and much more
Thursday 23rd January 2025
Tudor Day for Schools
Meet Katharine of Aragon, learn Tudor etiquette, visit a barber surgeon and get hands-on with an immersive carousel of activities including quill writing, fingerguard making and crafting. A day of celebration and fun for all things Tudor with Peterborough Museum, History off the Page and Marvellous History. Aimed at KS2. FREE to all schools in Peterborough. To book or for more information, please email the school visits’ team
Friday 24th January 2025
8.30am Roman Catholic Mass
Conducted by the clergy of St Peter and All Souls Church, Peterborough. All welcome
11am Commemoration Service and wreath laying
The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, will lead a short service of commemoration with readings and prayers. During the service wreaths will be laid on Katharine’s tomb by school pupils and visiting dignitaries. All welcome.
Cathedral Tudor Tour
A costumed tour with a Tudor focus including the tombs of Katharine of Aragon and Mary Queen of Scots, the gravedigger who inspired Shakespeare, the Tudor ‘New Building’ and much more.
Katharine of Aragon Embroidery Workshop for beginners
Katharine of Aragon was a skilled embroiderer who was known for her blackwork and popularised this form of embroidery. This workshop will give participants the opportunity to learn how blackwork was applied to garments using simple running stitches to create complex motifs and borders. Using these stitches and following a printed chart you will be able to produce a piece of work inspired from designs 600 years ago.
17.30 Vespers
The daily evening service at the Cathedral, this time in the form of Vespers, a form familiar in Tudor times, sung by the Cathedral Choir. All welcome.
Son et Lumiere
An exclusive, atmospheric and beautiful evening; experience the Cathedral at night as stories will be spun and tales told. Each story will explore a period in the Cathedral’s history, accompanied by music of that period. The experience will end with mulled wine in the Tudor New Building and visitors are warmly invited to join with the service of Compline afterwards. Limited places.
21.30 Compline
A service at the close of the day, sung by adult members of the Cathedral Choir. Like Vespers, Compline would have been part of the daily Divine Office observed by the monks of Peterborough Abbey. All welcome.
Saturday 25th January
At Court with the Tudors
A drop-in event for families celebrating all things Tudor. We will be joined once more by the amazing Regal Rose Historical Portrayal – Katharine, Henry and the whole Court will arrive at 11.00 for visitors to pay homage, ask questions and take selfies. Impromptu dancing and game playing will be in store as well as a Tudor storytelling, dressing a Tudor Queen talks and craft makes for children and adults alike.
Monks, Mischief and Marauders Family Tours
A costumed, guided tour aimed at a family audience. A unique and light-hearted take on the Cathedral’s history. Complete with keys, spade and skull, our guide, dressed as Tudor gravedigger Robert ‘Old’ Scarlett, will try not to scare you with his ‘grim visage’ and ‘mighty voice’ as he takes you round the building. Just keep up – he hates dawdlers! Children receive his personal guide and activity book to complete after the tour!
Saturday 25th January
Henry and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Made the Tudors. Talk by Nathen Amin
Walking a tightrope: Catherine of Aragon’s ladies in waiting. Talk by Dr. Nicola Clark
Maiden, Mother Majesty: The Imagery of Mary I. Talk by Dr. Peter Stiffell
Tudor Banquet
Uncrowned Queen: The Fateful Life of Margaret Beaufort. Talk by Dr Nicola Tallis
Queen-Making: Catherine of Aragon, Princess Mary and the Reigning Queens of Spain. Talk by Dr. Elizabeth Norton
Katharine of Aragon and the Tyranny of Henry VIII. Talk by Jackson Van Uden
Wednesday 29th January 2025
Cathedral Tudor Tour
A costumed tour with a Tudor focus including the tombs of Katharine or Aragon and Mary Queen of Scots, the gravedigger who inspired Shakespeare, the Tudor ‘New Building’ and much more
