Christ Church celebrates 500 years with Tudor Fayre
Last Sunday, local families were welcomed to Christ Church’s first-ever Tudor Fayre: a charity event held in celebration of the 500th Anniversary of our College’s foundation by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in 1525. Attendees were treated to an exciting array of demonstrations and activities, from sword-fighting, music and dancing to tile-making, metalwork and weaving.
Undeterred by the sweltering conditions, performers donned full Tudor garb and recreated the world of Christ Church’s founders Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and King Henry VIII – both of whom were in attendance!
Musicians sang Tudor choral works and played period instruments such as the lute and shaum.
There were entertaining activities for all the family. Visitors were invited to try their hand at making Tudor tiles, pewter medals and woven fabrics.
Swordsmen delighted the crowd with a demonstration of the weapons and fighting techniques of the 1500s.
An apothecary showed off his leeches, and there was even a chance to meet falcons.
Visitors were introduced to Tudor mathematics and navigation, and invited to play the games of the time.
Attendees were encouraged to join Henry VIII and his court in a dance to Tudor tunes.
The revelry concluded with a bout of Tudor football, and those who had worked up a hunger were able to partake in a hog roast. A delicious selection of drinks and (decidedly less Tudor) ice cream were also available.
Over the course of a fun-filled day, more than 1,000 members of the public were welcomed to Christ Church, raising more than £3,000 for local charities. The event was run in support of Oxford Mutual Aid and Oxford Community Food Bank, each of which received £1,566. We would like to thank all of the members of the public, our performers and vendors, and our dedicated members of staff for making this possible, and for sharing in this special part of our 500th Anniversary celebrations.
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