National   Society  Magna  Charta  Dames and Barons

Established 1909

National Society Magna Charta
Dames and Barons

June 2003 Educational Tour

Program for the National Society of Magna Charta Dames & Barons

 Educational Tour June 11 - June 22, 2003

Wednesday June 11th 2003

   Departure from the U.S.A.

Thursday June 12th 2003

   Arrive in London.   A fully qualified 'Blue Badge' guide will arrange airport transfers to a London Hotel.

   Remainder of the morning and afternoon at leisure.  

   This evening a private visit to the LIBRARY OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY, followed by a private tour of the Abbey has been arranged.   This is a very special evening as the Library is not normally open to members of the public.

   Return to the hotel for a welcome drinks party and dinner. 

   Overnight at a London Hotel.   Drinks & Dinner.

Friday June 13th 2003

   This morning take a ride on the LONDON EYE  to get a bird’s eye view over the rooftops of  all the famous buildings.   This is one of the most popular activities in London.

   Lunch at the WIG AND PEN CLUB, on the Strand.   This is the only building in this area remaining after the Great Fire of London in 1666.  This is a private members Club and is a favourite haunt of Barristers and lawyers.   The Club has a copy of the Magna Carta  displayed.

   After lunch tour the ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE and the INNER and MIDDLE TEMPLES.   The Temple was originally the seat in England of the famous Order of Knights Templars until the dissolution of the Order in 1312.

   Return to the hotel late afternoon.

   This evening attend a special reception at the ROYAL COLLEGE OF ARMS.   This is where all the heraldic arms are designed and approved for use.   View the arms that relate to your ancestors.  The arms of the  Knights and Barons of the Magna Carta are stored in this college.   The actual hand writing of William Shakespeare is shown on his Coat of Arms dating from the middle of the 16th century.

   Overnight at a London Hotel.   Breakfast, Lunch & Reception.

Saturday June 14th 2003

   This morning stroll across Green Park to watch the TROOPING OF THE COLOUR.   If possible seats will be obtained to watch the ceremony.   Many members of the Royal Family attend this ceremony, which commemerates the official birthday of Her Majesty The Queen.

   This is an amazing spectacle, showing the best of  British pomp and ceremony!

   Lunch and afternoon at leisure.

   Evening at leisure.

   Overnight at a London Hotel.   Breakfast.

Sunday June 15th 2003

   Depart from the hotel by coach to drive to WINDSOR CASTLE.   Today  a very different day awaits you!   An opportunity to see the archetypal English sport - cricket.

   Jonathan Fry, the Grandson of one of the most famous of English cricketers, C. B. Fry, will give a short talk on the peculiarities of the game in a  private room at The Castle Hotel Windsor, before you arrive at ST GEORGE'S SCHOOL AT  WINDSOR CASTLE for the start of the day's activities at noon.

   Luncheon in the presence of HRH PRINCE PHILIP.   Hopefully, if possible, you will be seated near  Prince Philip.

   The cricket match commences – it is a wonderful setting in the shadow of the magnificent walls of Windsor Castle.

   Afternoon tea is served in the marquee.

   Late afternoon depart from Windsor to return to the  hotel.   

   Evening at leisure.

   Overnight at a Windsor Hotel.   Breakfast, Lunch & Tea.

Monday June 16th 2003

   Today is the CEREMONY OF THE NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER,  held at WINDSOR CASTLE.

   Each year the Knights of the Garter gather at St George's Chapel to witness the installation ceremony of new Knights of the Garter by H M the Queen.   This is one of the most spectacular events in the English calendar.

    The Order of The Garter was founded in the 1300's by Edward III and it is the highest order of chivalry in Great Britain.   All the members of the Royal family are on parade in superb medieval costumes.   The Military Knights and the Household Brigade are in full dress uniform.

   Lunch will be served at VICARS HALL, inside the walls of Windsor Castle, prior to the service.   This is a very special honour at the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Tim O'Donovan.   Mr. O'Donovan is the Hon. Secretary of the Friends of St. George's Chapel.   Other guests will be the members of the Society of the Friends of St. George's Chapel.

   We will be seated on the stand of the Friends of St. George's Chapel.   This stand offers one of the prime views of the whole Procession.   Programmes will be available which list the order of the Processors.

   Afternoon tea will be served in the Vicar's Hall, followed by an opportunity to have a tour of St. George's Chapel.

   Return to Windsor hotel late in the afternoon.

   This evening visit RUNNYMEDE the site of the sealing of the Magna Charta.

   Dinner in a private house in Windsor.

   Overnight at a Windsor Hotel.    Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner.

Tuesday June 17th 2003

   Today is ROYAL ASCOT DAY.

   You are driven from the hotel by limousine the short distance to the Races, dressed of course, in  top hat and tails for the gents and wonderful hats for the ladies.   Picnic on the heath with all the other racegoers - this is one of the most traditional events of Royal Ascot week - everyone picnics - even in the rain.

   You will  be able to experience the rich pageantry and excitement of the opening day of ROYAL ASCOT RACES with entry into the Royal Enclosure itself where one can mingle with Royalty and see Her Majesty the Queen and her family  walking around amongst the other guests.

   Return to  Windsor hotel late afternoon.

   Overnight at a Windsor Hotel.   Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Wednesday June 18th 2003

   Today depart from Windsor to drive to the beautiful City of BATH.  This splendid Georgian city has been designated a ' World City ',  one of only three to be given this honour!

   On the way visit MINTERNE, the private home of LORD AND LADY DIGBY.   The Digby’s will kindly host luncheon in their beautiful  home and also give a guided tour of the garden.

   After lunch drive to Bath.

   Dine in the hotel this evening.

   Overnight at a Bath Hotel.   Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Thursday June 19th 2003

   A walking tour of the main places of interest will be guided by a CITY OF BATH expert guide to give  an in-depth tour.

   Private lunch in the SMOKING ROOM,  built in the 18th century by John Wood.   This room is situated within the famous Pump Rooms.

   Afternoon free for shopping and exploring.

   This evening drive to CHARLTON PARK HOUSE to dine with the EARL AND COUNTESS OF SUFFOLK AND BERKSHIRE.   This beautiful Jacobean/Georgian mansion was built for the Earls of  Suffolk in 1607.  

   Dinner, hosted by The Earl and Countess of Suffolk and Berkshire.

   Overnight at a Bath Hotel.   Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Friday June 20th 2003

   This morning visit WELLS CATHEDRAL to see this stunning building.    

   Lunch in a typical English pub.

   Afternoon visit to CHEDDAR GORGE to see some of the most amazing underground caves in the world.   This is also the home of the famous Cheddar cheese.

   This evening you are invited to dine with SIR BENJAMIN SLADE BT. at his delightful home in Somerset.   Sir Benji will invite his neighbours and friends to join the party.   This should be an amusing evening.

   Overnight at a Bath Hotel.   Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Saturday June 21th 2003

   Today explore the fascinating area of GLASTONBURY to learn about the legends of KING ARTHUR AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE.      

   ARABELLA CHURCHILL, the granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, will host a lunch for us.   Arabella lives in Glastonbury so knows all the history of this amazing area.

   This afternoon time for further exploring.

   Return to hotel late afternoon.

   Farewell dinner in a private room of the hotel this evening.

  Overnight at a Bath Hotel.   Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Sunday June 22nd 2003

   Departure Day!   Transfer to airport for your return flight home.   Bon Voyage!

 

Please contact the Society at 215-836-5022 for further information The full itinerary plus the price and terms and conditions, prepared by Gate1 International Travel Service, will be sent to you by the Society. Once you have decided to participate, you will be referred to Gate1 for reservations and payment. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. The Tour Operator and Seller of Travel for this Tour is Gate1 International Travel Service.

It is not necessary to be a member of the Society to participate.

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