It’s Heritage weekend in Aylesbury, with the chance to get a glimpse into buildings you might not normally see.
You can get into places including Judges Lodgings, the Mayor’s parlous and more for free today and tomorrow.
There are tours and exhibitions as well.
The weekend is filled with tours, talks, exhibitions and events, offering something for everyone.
The traditional bustling Saturday market will be celebrating it’s granting of the Charter of Incorporation with a multitude of extra activities including music, arts, crafts and street performers who will be entertaining you within the usual Saturday stalls.
A tour of the Crown Court will tell you about the famous trials of Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones as well as the Great Train Robbers, along with access to behind the scenes rooms that few members of the public get to see.
A stroll around Aylesbury’s Old Town will lead you into a stunning 1897 Rothschild building which houses The Aylesbury Literary Club, featuring a beautifully paneled restaurant. Horwood and James open the doors of their Grade II listed building, which was built in ca. 1546, with magnificent paneling and traditional Tudor structure.
You can also gain access to The Mayor’s Parlour and Council Chamber, at the Town Hall on Church Street, displaying the Town’s silverware and insignia.
Next is the County Museum where you can join a tour offering a rare glimpse into some of the attic rooms, not normally open to the public.
Climbing up the steep steps to the top of the bell tower at St Mary’s Church rewards you with breathtaking views over the rooftops of Aylesbury and into the Chilterns, as well as the opportunity to see the impressive bells which ring out over the town.
The Old County Hall has a photography exhibition by local historian and photographer Karl Vaughan, “Aylesbury Timescapes” which cleverly merges modern and old images of the town.
This juxtaposition between old and new highlights how architecture and design has an impact on our surroundings.
The modern and iconic Blue Leanie will be opening to the public for the first time this year, where you can view the atrium and a display of construction photographs and plans.
Everyone is cordially invited to meet King Henry VIII and his foolish jester at the Tudor Fayre in the Bucks County Museum on Sunday, come and learn how the Tudors cured ailments and embroidered clothes, along with many activities for a jam packed day of historical merriment.
All events are FREE but some tours have to be pre-booked.
For full listing of locations, opening and tour times, accessibility and events pick up a leaflet from Aylesbury Library, Visitor Information Centre, Bucks County Museum, Aylesbury Town Hall and from all locations on the day.