After a successful first year, the Hands on History exhibition in the White Tower at the Tower of London will re-open on 24 July 2008 with new and enhanced interactive displays to enable visitors to literally get to grips with defence and attack over the centuries, handling items including swords and armour inspired by the Royal Armouries’ collection.
“New features include games to test the skill and accuracy of swordsmanship, interactives exploring the tools of coin minting and value of money, and, especially to appeal to our younger visitors, a child-height medieval bow for kids to draw and so test their strength and skill,” Peter Armstrong, Royal Armouries Museum Director, explained.
Over the centuries the Tower of London has enjoyed many different roles, including Royal Zoo, Records Office, Treasury, prison and place of execution but its role as an Armoury is one of the oldest. The Tower was also at one time home to the Royal Mint which has supported this exhibition with a new display exploring the 500-year-old relationship between the Royal Mint and the Tower of London, including the new definitive reverse designs which were launched at the Tower in early 2008.
The support of The History Channel is explained by Martin Morgan, Deputy Channel Director: “The first year of the Hands on History exhibition brought history – and The History Channel’s TV and online content – alive. In the exhibition’s second year, the sponsorship develops this further and builds on the successful and strong relationship that has developed between The History Channel, The Royal Armouries Museum and Historic Royal Palaces at the Tower of London.”
Dave Knight, Director of Marketing of the Royal Mint said: “The Royal Mint is delighted to continue our involvement with the Hands on History exhibition at the Tower of London - reinforcing our strong historical links with the Tower. The Royal Mint exhibit gives visitors the chance to discover more about the long established tradition and art of British coin design and the skill of the minting process. The addition of our new display this year provides visitors with insight into the definitive reverse designs for the United Kingdom's coinage, which were unveiled in April and are due to enter circulation this Autumn.”
The second year of Hands on History is presented by the Royal Armouries and Historic Royal Palaces, and with generous support of the History Channel and the Royal Mint, we look forward to another year of bringing ten centuries of history to life within the White Tower at the Tower of London.
Hands on History is part of the new theme at the Tower of Fortress which launches on the weekend of 26/27 July, offering interactive new displays, replica medieval weapons to fire and exciting events. The opening weekend will go with a bang with the riotous ‘Attack the Tower’ event where everyone can have a go at battering the Tower gates!
Entry to Hands on History and Fortress is included in the Tower of London ticket price.
