Schoolchildren in Lisburn and Castlereagh are being given the chance to find out ‘fascinating facts about monarchs’ in a series of free educational works being held to coincide with the King’s Coronation.
Primary schools across the council area are being invited to book 90-minute sessions for their pupils, organised by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and the Lisburn Museum between 17 April and 28 June. There are also two ‘drop-in’ Saturday workshops on 29 April and 6 May.
Workshop participants will be able to find out more about the objects used in the Coronation ceremony including why King Charles III will be crowned on a 700-year-old throne and the stories behind some amazing Royal jewels. And each child will be given a booklet which details the timeline of British monarchs and provides some ‘fun facts’ about them - including the King who tried to command a tide and another who had to hide in an Oak tree.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Scott Carson said: “This a really creative initiative which our colleagues in the Museum are really excited about delivering. As well as being able to learn more, pupils will have the opportunity to get crafty and show off their artistic flair. They will be able to work on their own individual pieces of art, based on topical Royal themes such as cyphers, jewels and clothing - or even the Museum’s own Royal linen collection.”
The Chair of the council’s Leisure and Community Development Committee, Councillor Aaron McIntyre said: “I have discovered some really interesting facts about Lisburn’s Royal connections as we planned these workshops. I wonder how many people know about King Charles II’s influence in Lisburn – granting Cathedral status to Lisburn as well as giving us the right to hold a Tuesday Market. These workshops are sure to be popular with teachers and pupils alike – I’m sure everyone will discover something they never knew before!”
The Chair of the council’s King’s Coronation Working Group, Councillor Hazel Legge said: “These sessions will help give young people fascinating insight into the city’s Royal links I’ve learned from the Museum team that a Royal Patent was given to Coulson’s Damask Manufactory of Lisburn in 1810 by the future King, George IV – something I didn’t know before. His patronage encouraged other Royal Houses in Europe to order damask linen from Coulson’s. Royal associations with Irish linen continue today. In 2021, the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum designed a handwoven linen napkin to mark the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II. It’s a fascinating subject and very timely and topical as we approach the Coronation in May.”
Bookings must be made in advance by contacting ilc.reception@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
For workshop information: www.lisburnmuseum.com
Please note: there is a maximum number of 60 participants in each workshop.