Catherine and Anne: Queens, Rivals, Mothers
Talk by Dr Owen Emmerson and Kate McCaffrey.
Wed 2 Aug 8pm
Moved to The Anne Boleyn Stage
History has delighted in their famed rivalry, but these queens may have shared more than tradition allowed…
Celebrating the ground-breaking discoveries found within Anne Boleyn’s Book of Hours, made by Hever Castle’s Assistant Curator Kate McCaffrey, this talk will bring a new perspective to the precarious relationship between Henry VIII’s first two queens: Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. Owen Emmerson and Kate McCaffrey will explore the complex connections between these two remarkable women, as well as that of their powerful daughters, delving into their well-documented differences but also their unexpected similarities.
This exclusive lecture draws upon McCaffrey’s research, which is showcased throughout Hever Castle’s 2023 exhibition, Catherine and Anne: Queens, Rivals, Mothers. Signed copies of the accompanying book will be available to purchase.
Dr Owen Emmerson is an historian and the author of three books. He has appeared in several television documentaries of the Tudor era, including ‘The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family’ (BBC) and ‘Blood, Sex, and Royalty: Anne Boleyn’ (Netflix). He works as Castle Historian and Assistant Curator at Hever Castle.
Kate McCaffrey is an historian and the author of two books. Her ground-breaking MA research garnered international press attention and scholarly praise. She has appeared in several television shows, including ‘Becoming Anne Boleyn’ (HistoryHit) and ‘Songs of Praise’ (BBC). She works as Hever Castle’s Assistant Curator.
An interpreter will stand in a visible position and interpret the spoken and heard elements of this event.
New for 2023. We are delighted to be working with Hever Castle to offer an exclusive BSL Interpreted Castle Tour.
Enrich your visit with a BSL Interpreted tour of the castle before the evening talk. The tour, limited to those who require BSL interpretation (and a single companion), will take place after the rooms have closed for the day to other visitors, allowing you the opportunity to have the castle all to yourselves.
The Hever Castle experienced tour guides will take you through all three levels of the castle, and the tour will include an exclusive opportunity to speak with Owen Emerson, who will be on hand to talk you through the fascinating Catherine and Anne exhibition that they have curated.
The tour will begin in the castle courtyard at 5pm, and will finish at 6pm, providing you with ample time to head to the Guthrie Pavilion restaurant for dinner (pre-booked dining only), to picnic on the lawn or enjoy crepes from the concession stand before the BSL Interpreted theatre talk begins.
The tour ticket includes the cost of entry into the gardens from when the castle opens on the day of the event.
Tour numbers are limited to 25, so book early!
The castle tour includes spiral stairs, so may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Please note this tour is only for those who require BSL interpretation to enjoy more of the interior of the castle. Other theatre goers can book a joint theatre and garden ticket in advance and a castle entry ticket on the day. Or if there is a large enough group of you, then Group Tours can be booked, further info here.
Tickets
| Standard Uncovered Ticket | £17.50 |
| Discounted Joint Uncovered Theatre and Garden Ticket ADULT | £30.50 |
| Discounted Joint Theatre and Garden Ticket CHILD (under 15) | £25.30 |
| Standard Uncovered Ticket FESTIVAL FRIENDS | £15.75 |
| Standard Uncovered Ticket HEVER CASTLE & GOLF CLUB MEMBERS | £15.75 |
Pre-Theatre suppers in the Guthrie Pavilion are available before this performance.
Here is the menu.
Please book your theatre tickets first, then follow this link to reserve your table.
Bookings start from 6pm, we recommend arriving at least an hour before the performance starts so you don’t have to rush your meal.
PLEASE NOTE: You have made a table reservation only, you may be asked to pre-order by the catering team in advance of the date and all meals and drinks are to be paid for on the night.
The Anne Boleyn Stage
The Anne Boleyn Stage is situated on Anne Boleyn’s Walk. As you walk from the lake View Car Park towards the Two Sisters Theatre it is there on your left. We will not have a cover for the audience on this lawn, you can sit under the trees, bring the biggest umbrella you have, if necessary, but no gazebos please. Our seating is unfortunately currently in our condemned theatre, it is not safe for us to collect it. Please bring something to sit on, your picnic table if you like and we always love it when we see your candelabras.
The Theatre Bar will be accessible and open on the theatre lawn before the show and during the interval for hot and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, ice cream and snacks.
NEW for 2023 – freshly made crêpes. Savoury, sweet and allergy friendly options available from the concession by the lake, before shows only. Here is the menu
Please check our access page for further information.