National   Society  Magna  Charta  Dames and Barons

Established 1909

National Society Magna Charta
Dames and Barons

June 2004 Educational Tour

Program for the National Society of Magna Charta Dames & Barons

 Educational Tour June 9 - June 17, 2004

Wednesday June 9th 2004

   Departure from the U.S.A. for England. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment for your journey.

Thursday June 10th 2004

   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 Royal Horseguards Hotel, London.   Drinks & Dinner.

Friday June 11th 2004

   This morning a "behind the scene" tour to watch the return of the horses from the Changing of the Guard at the  barracks of the Blues and Royals. These will be the horses and soldiers who will be trooping the colour on Saturday morning.

    Lunch in the dining room of the Royal Household Regiment, home of the Blues and Royals. This is a fascinating venue to visit. This afternoon 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.

    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 Royal Horseguards Hotel, London.   Breakfast, Lunch & Reception.

Saturday June 12th 2004

   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 commemorates 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 Royal Horseguards Hotel, London.   Breakfast.

Sunday June 13th 2004

   Depart from the hotel by coach to drive to BURY ST. EDMUNDS to attend the commemoration service of the Magna Carta. This tri-annual service marks the signing in 1215 of the most important document in English Law.  

    Luncheon in Bury St. Edmunds.

   This afternoon drive to Windsor, in the Royal Borough of Berkshire.   

   Dine in the hotel this evening.

   Overnight at the Castle Hotel, Windsor.   Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Monday June 14th 2004

   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.  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 held at EATON COLLEGE, the famous public school for boys dating back to the 15th Century. There will be a tour of the school prior to lunch.

    Drive to WINDSOR CASTLE to take seats on the stand reserved for the Friends of St. George's Chapel. Weather permitting, 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. This is at the kind invitation of the Mr. Nigel Hill, Hon. Secretary of the Friends 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 the Castle Hotel, Windsor.    Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Dinner.

Tuesday June 15th 2004

   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 where one can observe Royalty and see Her Majesty the Queen and her family  walking around amongst the other guests. Those with letters of entrance will be able to go into the Royal Enclosure. [Note to apply for letters of entrance please contact the Society Office].

    This will be the final year that Royal Ascot is held in its current form as the racecourse is being revamped. It will be closed for a couple of years for renovation.

   Return to  Windsor hotel late afternoon.

    Dinner at leisure.

   Overnight at the Castle Hotel, Windsor.   Breakfast & Lunch.

Wednesday June 16th 2004

   Today depart from Windsor to drive out into the county of DORSET.

   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 return to WINDSOR for a farewell dinner at a special venue.

   Overnight at the Castle Hotel, Windsor.   Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Thursday June 17th 2004

   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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