Centuries-old tradition at Warwick's historic home for veterans opens to the public for the first time

The Lord Leycester is inviting the public to join in ‘Brethren’s Prayers’ as part of efforts to shine a light on the daily life of the veterans who call its collection of historic buildings home.

The daily prayers in St James’s Chapel, are led by the Master of the Lord Leycester and still feature the same exact wording as when they were first initiated 455 years ago by Robert Dudley.

The Lord Leycester’s 34th Master Daren Bowyer, who took the helm in March, is now opening the tradition up to members of the public once a month.

He said: “When I arrived at the Lord Leycester, I said I was keen to show that it isn’t just a collection of historic buildings but a piece of living history thanks to our community of Brethren.

“By opening up a tradition that they take part in regularly and giving people a window into the life that goes on at the Lord Leycester every day, we’re reminding them that this is a place full of real people, with real stories, as well as longstanding traditions started centuries ago.

“There is no charge for attending this special moment, but a donation towards the upkeep of our historic St James’s Chapel will be gratefully received.

"Every little helps ensure we can continue providing a home for veterans for years to come.”

The Lord Leycester’s collection of half-timbered buildings was built by the powerful Warwick Guilds in the late 1300s to conduct Guild business from the town centre but in the reign of Elizabeth I, those Guilds gave the buildings to Robert Dudley, the Queen’s favourite courtier, to create a home for soldiers injured in the wars of the Tudor age.

When Dudley established his ‘hospital’ he laid down rules for its management, one of which was that there should be a daily service of prayers.

The first open prayers session was held on Wednesday morning (April 1), with the next due to take place on May 13.

Brethren Prayers will then be open to public on the first Wednesday of every month.

The venue is currently offering a range of family-friendly activities in its historic gardens, as well as free entry for children up until Sunday, April 12.

Activities include a free Easter Egg Trail through the gardens, as well as a display of decorated eggs created by local primary school pupils, Cub Scouts, care home residents, the Brethren, Lord Leycester volunteers and visitors.

In addition, children can take part in free medal-making workshops, inspired by the Lord Leycester’s long military heritage, in the Brethren’s Kitchen.

On Tuesday April 7, youngsters will be able to design and create their own medal.

Families will also be able to meet the Lord Leycester’s costumed characters across selected weekends, bringing the story of the Lord Leycester to life, as well as joining an interactive family tour, led by one of the characters.

For more information, go to: https://www.lordleycester.com/