Tudors and Stuarts

It is 1503 and in Holyrood Abbey one of the most important weddings in British History is about to take place - that of James IV and Margaret Tudor. With this marriage the royal dynasties of the Stuarts and the Tudors are tied forever.

During this session pupils will explore 100 years of history, where nation-shaping events took place. From looking for evidence of Henry VIII’s attack of the Palace during 'The Rough Wooing' to discovering the murder of Mary, Queen of Scot’s private secretary David Rizzio and Mary’s imprisonment then execution by Elizabeth I. They will finally hear about the Union of the Crowns when James VI of Scotland became James I of England and Ireland - the first monarch to rule Scotland, England and Ireland.

Visit includes access to: Holyrood Abbey*, The Great Gallery, Lord Danley’s Ante Chamber, Lord Darnley’s Bedchamber, Mary, Queen of Scot’s Bedchamber, Mary Queen of Scots’ Outer Chamber, The Throne Room and Abbey Strand Learning Centre.

*Please be aware Holyrood Abbey is currently undergoing essential maintenance so some areas are currently closed.

Facilitated session lasts: 2 hours

Curriculum for Excellence Experience and Outcomes  

Second Level

I can investigate a Scottish historical theme to discover how past events or the actions of individuals or groups have shaped Scottish society. SOC 2-03a

I can compare and contrast a society in the past with my own and contribute to a discussion of the similarities and differences. SOC 2-04a

I can discuss why people and events from a particular time in the past were important, placing them within a historical sequence. SOC 2-06a
 

A lunch room is available for booked groups in the Learning Rooms.  

Our learning programmes are designed to be accessible to all pupils.  Most of our sessions can be adapted to meet any educational or access needs your group may have.  Please ask for details when booking.

You may find the information for visitors on the Autism spectrum helpful when planning your visit to The Palace of Holyroodhouse.

To find out more or to make a booking contact the Learning Bookings team.

Please have to hand:

• Preferred date and possible alternatives, plus time of arrival
• Numbers of children and supervising adults
• The taught programme you would like
• Details of any special educational or access needs

You will then be sent a reservation letter, together with your teachers’ resource pack, giving a date by which full payment must be received to secure the booking.

Please note: you may be asked to cover the cost of the session if you cancel within short notice of your visit.  Non-booked schools will be charged at standard group admission rates.  Please see our Terms of Application for Learning Group Admissions.

Contact us

Learning Bookings Team
Ticket Sales and Information Office
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA

T. (+44) (0)303 123 7323
F. (+44) (0)20 7930 9625
[email protected]

Sharing Learning Objectives

You will find our learning objectives for each taught session on the relevant programme information page.  Sending us your learning objectives prior to your visit will help us tailor the session to your group’s requirements.

Planning Visits

Once you have made your booking, we offer two complimentary tickets for you and a colleague to conduct a planning visit.  If you would like to meet a member of the Learning team during this visit, please let us know at the time of booking.

Teachers' Packs for each site can be downloaded here.

Reduced-rate admission for school groups

Most of our Palace schools sessions are £3 per pupil. Children in P1 and below are FREE.  Please see individual sessions for details.

Accompanying adults

One teacher or adult helper is admitted free of charge at the following ratios:

Under 5s - 1 adult: 3 pupils
P1 – P4 - 1 adult: 6 pupils
P5 and above - 1 adult: 10 pupils

Please ask for details of rates for additional adults when booking.

All online workshops: £35 per class attending a booked session.