Celebrate Local History at Woking Palace on 16 and 17 May

The Friends of Woking Palace are opening Woking Palace to visitors between 11 am and 5 pm on 16^th and 17^th of May as part of Celebrating Local and Natural History and Community History Month.

The weekend will include Medieval and Tudor Music played by Jez Smith and the chance to learn about the ancient art of beekeeping from the Palace’s own Beekeeper Marion Malcher. There will be local history displays, children’s activities, archaeology displays about previous digs, displays by St Peter’s Church Old Woking and also Woking Family History Look-ups.

This is a great opportunity for members of the public to enjoy the site in its beautiful riverside setting, including the bluebells in the Copse. Volunteer guides will lead tours around the eight acre moated site (last tour at 4pm) and visitors will be able to see various displays showing the development of this highly important site in Medieval and Tudor times.

You will also be able to find out more about the Heritage Lottery Funded grant awarded to Friends of Woking Palace to carry out a very exciting three year project called “Woking Palace and its Park” – including a wide range of community activities throughout each year and this seasons excavations from 9th to 25th September 2015.

Today Woking Palace is a beautiful peaceful site hidden away in the countryside but it was once a large and important palace both owned and visited by royalty such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. This is a rare opportunity to visit the site.

So come along and learn more about the local and natural history of your local heritage and the opportunities you have to take part in this year’s activities.On both days there will also be a free guided walk to Woking Palace via the historic areas of Old Woking, starting from St Peter’s Church at 2 pm. Please phone 07722 299026 to book a place.

Please note that there is no car parking at Woking Palace – access is by foot and cycle. Free parking is available off Old Woking High Street and the route to the site (approx one mile) will be well signed during the weekend.

Further information can be obtained from 07722 299026, the website www.woking-palace.org or by emailing info@woking-palace.org

Please call this same number for information regarding access for those with disabilities.