1. Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill
    1. Visiting Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill
      1. Introduction: Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill
      2. Message board
      3. Star objects
      4. Activities and events
    2. A King's guide to armour
    3. Fun and games
    4. Armour glossary: what goes where?
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Activities and events

The sport of Kings

Read more about jousting, hawking, tournaments and many other activities

The sport of kings

At the Tower of London...

Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill

 Henry VIII: Dressed to KillFrom 3 April 2009 – 17 January 2010
Displayed over 3 floors of the historic White Tower, this stunning
exhibition celebrates the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII becoming King of England. Some of the world's rarest arms and armour have been selected from the treasures of the Royal Armouries and international collections. These spectacular objects have never been seen together since the reign of his daughter Elizabeth I. Click here to find out more >

Whether you've visited the exhibition or just explored it online, we would love to hear your thoughts and opinions in our message board. For example, what part of the exhibition did you enjoy the most? Did you discover anything new about Henry VIII?. Click here to visit the Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill message board >

Hands on History

All year round in the White Tower

Hands on history at the Tower of LondonTighten your grip on ten centuries of Tower history.

Do you have what it takes to handle a sword like a Tudor master or to shoot an arrow from a legendary English longbow?

What was it like to stare through a medieval helmet and face your enemy in battle?

Hands on History at the Tower of London takes you up close and personal, literally letting you get to grips with defence and attack over the centuries and handle items including swords and armour inspired by the Royal Armouries’ collection.

The Hands on History exhibition, located on the second floor of the White Tower, features dozens of interactive displays for both young and old to enjoy.  

Presented by the Royal Armouries and Historic Royal Palaces with the generous support of The History Channel and The Royal Mint.

The History ChannelThe Royal Mint

At Hampton Court Palace...

Sport for Kings

23-25 May, 25-26 July 2009

As majestic falcons swoop overhead and gallant gentlemen take up their swords to show off their skills, join King Henry VIII and his Court at play. There is money to be won betting on the outrageous games of chance and skill which the Tudors loved. Pick up a tip or two on how to really impress your sweetheart!

Tudor tournament

29-31 August 2009

For the first time in modern history, Hampton Court Palace plays host to a recreation of a Tudor tournament. Gasp and cheer as knights in armour thunder onto the field on their magnificent chargers. England’s finest jousters compete to impress the King and his bride with a display of skill, strength and bravery. And who is the mysterious knight who has come to win all the prizes? Not to be missed.

Henry VIII: heads and hearts at Hampton Court Palace

Henry VIII: heads and heartsCome to Hampton Court Palace and commemorate 500 years since Henry VIII's accession to the English throne. Be part of the celebrations of Henry's wedding to his sixth wife, Kateryn Parr, and find out more about Henry's wives and daughters at the fascinating, temporary exhibition 'Henry’s Women'. Opens 10 April 2009.  Click here to find out more >