05/06/2009

Issued by: City of York Council 

Residents will be invited to step back in time to Tudor York this summer, thanks to the Big City Read.

Organised by City of York Council, York's Big City Read is an annual event where residents are encouraged to read the same book and then take part in event celebrating the chosen novel.

This year, people are being invited to read C.J. Sansom's Sovereign, a fantastic murder mystery set in Tudor York at the time of The Coming of the King's Grace - Henry VIII's Grand Tour.

A series of events will be held throughout the summer to help readers get an idea of what it might be like to have lived in York in Tudor times.

Residents will be able to follow in the footsteps of King Henry VIII round York to see the havoc he wrought on monasteries and hospitals or visit an exhibition looking beyond the stereotypes surrounding Henry VIII to examine his reign.

There'll be a unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of stained glass conservation at York Minster, including 13^th century glass from the York Minster Chapter House.

Castle Museum is turning the clock back almost 500 years to explore the sights, sounds and tastes that Henry would have been greeted with on his visit to the city and there'll even be an opportunity to taste Tudor food based on an actual feast attended by the King.

Internationally renowned author, C.J. Sansom, will also be on hand to talk about his work and the Big City Read novel Sovereign, which has sold over 1.25 million copies in the UK.

And there's also plenty to keep younger readers entertained, with felt making sessions and a host of Tudor activities at York's libraries throughout the summer. Youngsters also have their very own book list of Tudor-themed books to help them get into the spirit.

Residents will be able to collect a free copy of Sovereign on Friday 26 June, when the council's Libraries' Team will be giving them away in St Sampson's Square.

More detailed information about the events is available from www.bigcityread.co.uk

The Big City read initiative is part of the council's aim to ensure that York is a City of Culture, where residents and visitors are inspired to free their creative talents.

 (ENDS)