National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons
May Revision June Educational Tour - June 10 - 20, 1999Thursday June 10th
Departure from the U.S.A.
Friday June 11th
Arrive at London Airport. Rosie Kirby White, your guide for the next 10 days, will meet you to transfer to the STRAND PALACE HOTEL, on the Strand in London. Lunch at leisure. Early evening drinks party in the hotel to welcome you to London, followed by dinner in a private room in the hotel.Dinner overnight STRAND PALACE HOTEL
Saturday June 12th
This morning drive to Green Park to watch the Trooping of the Colour. 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. In the evening, a private tour of the Tower of London with a viewing of the Crown Jewels. This is rather special as the Tower takes on a magical feeling when it is empty of all the other visitors! Drinks and canapés will be served. Dine at leisure.
English breakfast, cocktail reception o/n STRAND PALACE HOTEL
Sunday June 13th
Depart from the Strand Hotel to Windsor. Today, a unique experience awaits you!
An opportunity to see the archetypal English sport - cricket. Jonathan Fry, the grandson of one of the most famous English cricketers, C.B. Fry, will talk briefly about the peculiarities of the game in a private room at the Castle hotel Windsor. Then you will arrive at St. George's School at Windsor Castle for the start of the day's activities at noon. Luncheon in the presence of a prominent Royal (hopefully this will be HRH Prince Philip - it depends upon the diary of the Royal Family). After lunch, watch the cricket game or otherwise wander around the town of Windsor. Check into the Castle Hotel, Windsor.
At 5:30 P.M. depart from the hotel to drive to Penshurst Place, in Sussex, for what promises to be a splendid evening. We have been invited to join a cocktail party followed by a 'Beating Retreat' display by the Band of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment. We will be greeted by Viscount de L'Isle, our host for the evening. Penshurst Place was built in 1341 and remains one of the finest examples of an unfortified home in England.
English breakfast, lunch & cocktail party o/n CASTLE HOTEL, WINDSOR
Monday June 14th
Garter Day!
Today is the Ceremony Of The Noble Order Of The Garter in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the Royal family. Depart from hotel by coach to nearby Eton College, Britain's most famous and ancient of public schools, founded in 1440 by Henry VI. Enjoy a private visit of the Museum of Eton Life, the school yard, College chapel and the Lower and Upper schools. Lunch follows in the College Dining Hall. Then, drive to Windsor Castle for the Procession and Ceremony Of The Noble Order Of The Garter in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the Royal family. 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! As guests of the Society of the Friends of St. George's Chapel, seats will be provided on a stand, giving a prime view of the procession (you must pay the onetime life membership fee of $200 per person, otherwise you will not be able to have entrance to this area). Afternoon tea will be served to guests of the society in the Chapter Library of the Castle.
In the evening, visit the Runnymede site of the signing of the Magna Charta in 1215. Dine in the hotel this evening.
English breakfast, lunch, tea, hotel dinner o/n CASTLE HOTEL, WINDSOR
Tuesday June 15th
Today is Royal Ascot Day! You will be 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. Seated champagne lunch in the luxurious surroundings of a private marquee situated in the grounds of a house opposite the racecourse.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 (for those who have received vouchers) where one can mingle with 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. Afternoon tea will be served on the Heath, watching the horses go by! Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.Dinner at leisure
English breakfast, lunch, tea o/n CASTLE HOTEL, WINDSOR
Wednesday June 16th
A Churchillian Day
Drive to Kent to Squerryes Lodge to the home of Ms. Minnie Churchill. Admire Minnie's many mementos of Sir Winston at her home. Luncheon will be served in her beautiful house. Arabella Churchill, granddaughter of Sir Winston, will join you for lunch and after, will accompany you to nearby Chartwell, home of Sir Winston, on his retirement. Arabella will show you around the garden and Winston's studio, where he spent many hours painting. You will also have a tour of the House.Depart from Chartwell to return to the Castle Hotel.
Tonight is a very special evening. A concert will be held in ST. GEORGE'S CHAPEL to celebrate the new Chapel organ. The Friends of St. George's have extended an invitation to the Magna Charta Dames and Barons for this special event. Dinner has been arranged in the Dungeons of Windsor Castle - an unusual and interesting venue. This will round off a stunning evening in superb style! Prominent members of the MAGNA CARTA TRUST, the British Society will be invited to join the evening . It is expected that this occasion can be used to promote a greater contact between the National Society of Dames and Barons and the Magna Charta Trust.
English breakfast, lunch, dinner o/n CASTLE HOTEL, WINDSOR
Thursday June 17th
This morning, visit the Inns of Court, whose origins are traced back to the Order of the Knights Templar. These Knights were responsible for laying the foundation of British Law as it is known today. This visit will be followed by lunch at the Wig & Pen Club, on the Strand. This is the only building in this area remaining after the Great Fire of London in 1666. The Wig & Pen is a private members club and is a favorite haunt of Barristers and Lawyers. After lunch, tour the Royal Courts of Justice, where the Court system of today stems from the Magna Charta.
In the evening, attend the theatre to see one of the exciting productions being staged in London.
Pre-theatre dinner at CHRISTOPHER'S, situated very close to the theatre district.
English breakfast, dinner o/n STRAND PALACE HOTEL
Friday June 18th
Spend the day in the country visiting Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge. An original Magna Charta is displayed in the Cathedral. Stonehenge is fascinating: a circular group of huge stones, the oldest of which dates from around 1850BC. After the tour drive to Malmesbury House, the home of John Cordle. Mr. and Mrs. Cordle will host a luncheon in this interesting house and after lunch there will be time to wander around the beautiful gardens. Mr. Cordle is a great raconteur and several of his family members are married into the British nobility so he will tell you all the gossip!
This evening we are attending the INNER TEMPLE for a dinner to Commemorate 'The Battle of Waterloo' in 1815. This invitation is extended by Major General Peter Downward CB DSO DFC, Governor of the Military Knights of Windsor. The Inner Temple is on the site of one of the ancient Halls of the Order of the Knights Templar. These Knights were responsible for laying the foundation of British Law as it is know today. This will be a very grand 'Black Tie' event. Medals can be worn.
English breakfast, lunch, dinner o/n STRAND PALACE HOTEL
Saturday June 19th
Attend a service of Commemoration to be held in St. Paul's Cathedral is to celebrate 900 years of the Order of St. John. The London Chapter of St. John has extended the invitation to The Society of Magna Charta Dames and Barons. Members of the Royal Family and many dignitaries will attend the ceremony.
Lunch at St. John's Gate, the headquarters of the Order of St. John. This buffet lunch will be attended by patrons of the Order of St. John. It is hoped that Lord Vesty and Princess Katarina will be amongst the attendees.
This afternoon drive to Windsor for the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince Edward and Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones. We are extremely fortunate to be offered seats on the Friends of St. George's Chapel stand right outside the Chapel where the ceremony will take place. We will, from our vantage point, be able to see all the guests and the Royal couple arriving and leaving the Chapel. This is the opportunity of a lifetime to be so close to a Royal Wedding!
Farewell dinner - to be arranged
English breakfast, lunch, dinner o/n STRAND PALACE HOTEL
“ Sunday June 20th
Departure Day Transfer to airport for your return flight home. Bon Voyage!
Please contact the Society at 215-836-5022 for further information This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. The full itinerary plus the price and the terms and conditions are available upon request.
It is not necessary to be a member of the Society to participate.
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