Warrior Women take over the Royal Armouries this February half term

This February half term the Royal Armouries in Leeds will present an action-packed week of events celebrating some of history’s most renowned warrior women.

From Tuesday 13 — Wednesday 21 February visitors can enjoy a programme full of exciting talks, performances and have-a-go activities, suitable for all of the family. From Joan of Arc to the Suffragettes, the stories of remarkable women who helped change the course of history will be brought to life.

Performances will include combat demonstrations showcasing the fighting styles of celebrated female warriors, including Joan of Arc and 17th-century swordswoman La Maupin. There will also be demonstrations of ‘Suffrajitsu’, famed by Edith Garrud during the early-20th century campaign for women’s suffrage.

Visitors can also hear the stories of Cartimandua, a 1st-century Celtic queen, as well as the experiences of women at the Front during the First World War.

For those wanting to get involved in the action, there will be an opportunity to make your own Suffragette rosettes and join the fight for women’s votes in a daily march through the museum.

The museum will be open from 10am-5pm during the event, with activities running throughout the week.

Gail Cockerill, Events Officer, said: “2018 marks the centenary of the passing of the Representation of the People Act, allowing women the right to vote for the first time. We think this is an especially important time to bring to light the fascinating stories of warrior women throughout history.

“The week will be filled with fun and educational activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Visitors will be able to get up close to the action as they witness the museums interpreters bring to life tales of these trailblazing women through fascinating talks and performances.”

To find out more about ‘Warrior Women’ at the Royal Armouries, visit: https://royalarmouries.org/events/calendar/2018-02-13/warrior-women

ENDS

Notes to editors

Further enquiries to: Katie Canning, Communications Officer, Royal Armouries at katie.canning@armouries.org.uk Telephone: 0113 220 1978

About the Royal Armouries

Entry to the museum is free but some activities carry a small charge.

– Royal Armouries has sites in Leeds, HM Tower of London and Fort Nelson in Hampshire.
– The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds houses a major part of the national collection of arms and armour, and displays over 8,500 objects throughout its five themed galleries.
– Open all year daily, 10am-5pm. Closed 24-26 December
– Website: www.royalarmouries.org
– The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business based on the same site in Leeds.