Spring into March and enjoy the Heritage & Culture Warwickshire Showcase!
Returning after sellout events last year, enjoy a range of talks, workshops & events from 1 – 22 March 2025.
Please note some events have limited capacity and require pre booking.
Rediscovered: The Lost Painting of Henry VIII
Old Shire Hall, Warwick
Saturday 1 March, 2.30pm - 4pm
During the 1590s the tapestry maker and local politician Ralph Sheldon commissioned a set of 22 portraits of monarchs and contemporary figures for his home Weston House in Warwickshire. The majority of this famous set are now considered lost. In July 2024 news spread around the world that Sheldon's lost portrait of Henry VIII had been rediscovered in Warwick's Shire Hall, hiding in plain sight.
This talk will explain more about the painting's history and its remarkable discovery, alongside new research into Henry's forgotten state visit to Warwick in September 1511. The talk will be presented by art historian and consultant for Sotheby’s Adam Busiakiewicz, who made the discovery, and historian Aaron Manning who has undertaken research primary source research into the king's progress in 1511. Refreshments will be available.
£10 plus booking fee, book online at warwickshire.gov.uk/heritageboxoffice.
Crime and Punishment: A look at some historical evidence of Courts, Crimefighters and Correction in Warwickshire
Country Record Office
Tuesday 4 March, 7pm - 8pm
From Known Thieves to Quarter Session records: discover how Warwickshire dealt with its criminals, and view some of the records that have been preserved, giving us an insight into the lives of those on both the right side and wrong side of the law.
£8.50 plus booking fee, book online at warwickshire.gov.uk/heritageboxoffice.
Celebrating Heritage Crafts – Craft Demonstration Day
Market Hall Museum
Saturday 8 March, 10am - 1pm
Come along and discover a range of different heritage crafts, from bookbinding to circular sock machines! Watch the skilled crafters at work and learn about the importance of keeping these heritage skills alive. Maybe you’ll even pick up a new hobby!
Free drop in, no need to book, all ages welcome.
Roses and Castles Canal Painting Workshop
Market Hall Museum
Sunday 9 March, 1pm-4pm
Learn to paint in the colourful canal folk art style with Kerri the Heritage Crafter. Discover more about the traditional Roses and Castles style and paint your own mug to take home. Enjoy a delicious cream tea (included). All materials included.
£37 plus booking fees. Spaces are limited, book online at warwickshire.gov.uk/heritageboxoffice.
St John’s House Tour
St John’s House
Monday 10 March 3.30pm - 4.30pm
The story of St John’s House in Warwick spans 900 years of history, from medieval hospital to family home, schoolhouse, and museum. Hear about the medieval hospital established on the site in the 12th century; of the Stoughton family who built the current house in the 17th century; and explore the recreated Victorian kitchen and schoolroom, still used as a schoolroom today.
£10 plus booking fee, book at warwickshire.gov.uk/heritageboxoffice.
Show and Tell – The 17th Century Village Constable
County Record Office
Wednesday 12 March 1pm – 1.30pm
Come and find out what the local constable was doing around the time of the English Civil War. Their accounts include supporting victims of disaster, dealing with vagrants, training the militia, and collecting taxes (with useful lists of names…)
Free, no need to book.
Women Collectors
Market Hall Museum
Wednesday 12 March, 7pm
Discover some of the pioneering women of the Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeology Society. Find out about the women who donated to the societies collection in the 19th century and hear about the new and interesting stories that have been uncovered, thanks to the ACE Unlocking Collections project and the Unlocking Collections volunteers.
£8.50 plus booking fee, book online at warwickshire.gov.uk/heritageboxoffice.
Behind the Scenes: Museum Collection Tour
Museum Collections, Hawkes Point
Saturday 15 March, 10am – 11.30am
Get a look behind the scenes with this exclusive tour of Warwickshire Museum’s collections. Led by our Curators of Natural History and Human History, learn how we collect and look after artefacts, and discover some of the treasures of the collection, from fossils to dolls houses, from pottery to entomology. This tour will also taker a closer look into some of the wonderful costume kept in the museum centre, with costume spanning over 400 years.
£12 plus booking fee, Spaces Limited, book online at warwickshire.gov.uk/heritageboxoffice.
Great Fire of Warwick 1694 Talk and Walk
Market Hall Museum
Wednesday 19 March, 10am – 11.30am
On 6th September 1694, The Great Fire of Warwick, ripped through the town, leaving a lasting impact on both the people and buildings of the town. Take a walk, following the route of the fire, and learn more about the events of that fateful day and the immediate aftermath.
The walk will last about an hour, ending at Market Hall Museum with a short presentation highlighting some of the important documents about the event and some stories of a few of the individuals whose lives were disrupted by the fire.
Please note that once the walk has started, there will be no opportunity to sit down en-route.
Tickets £15 plus booking fee, book online at warwickshire.gov.uk/heritageboxoffice.
Tracing your Irish Family History – A Beginner’s Guide
County Record Office
Saturday 22 March 9.30am – 11.30am
Discover more about your Irish Ancestors: come along for advice on the various sources available, both at the Record Office and online, as well as tips on how to develop your research skills. Led by local genealogist Paul Wilkins.
£15 plus booking fee, book online at warwickshire.gov.uk/heritageboxoffice.
