Walking in the Steps of King James I

In 1603 Britain had a new king, James I (James VI of Scotland). As was traditional, the King and a massive entourage processed in splendid fashion through the City of London to mark his accession, although due to a severe outbreak of plague the ‘Royal Entry’ was put back until March 15 1604.

Join civic pageantry expert Professor Tracey Hill as we trace the route of the Royal Entry on its 413th anniversary, from the Tower of London to Fleet Street, passing important City sites such as the Royal Exchange, Cheapside Cross, and St Paul’s churchyard. We will stop at the locations of the spectacular triumphal arches put up for the occasion, and you’ll hear about the music, songs and speeches, designed by playwrights Ben Jonson, Thomas Dekker and Thomas Middleton, amongst others, that accompanied the new monarch. We will conclude the walk at the Guildhall Library, where we will view some early books and manuscripts connected to the 1604 Royal Entry.

The walk commences outside the main door of the church of All Hallows, near the Tower of London. We set off at 4.30pm and should be at the Guildhall Library by 6.15pm latest.

Includes wine reception from 6.30 - 7.30pm.