Farncombe Estate brings UK’s 400-year ‘Olimpick’ history to life

A Cotswold leisure-learning centre is celebrating the UK’s true Olympic heritage with history courses to mark 400 years since the ‘Olimpicks’ first came to Britain.  

                         

In 1612, Robert Dover launched the first Olimpick Games in the Cotswold village of Chipping Campden, aiming to revive the spirit of Ancient Greece. This year’s London Games coincides with the 400^th anniversary of Dover’s original Olimpicks.   

Farncombe Estate leisure and learning centre, near Broadway, is bringing every aspect of Olympics history to life with two Games-inspired courses: Competition and Conflict in the Cotswolds and The Olympic Games through the Ages.

The first, hosted by Cotswold historian David Snowden and experts from the Cromwell Association, will put the Olimpicks into a 17^th Century context and include a visit to both Dover’s Games and Scuttlebrook Wake – two extraordinary examples of English eccentricity. The course runs from 30 May to 3 June.

In Olympic Games Through the Ages, a team of historians will lead a virtual journey from Olympia 388 BC to the most notorious Olympic Games ever staged, in Berlin 1936. This course runs from 31 May to 3 June.

Mandy Morrison, Farncombe Estate Programme Manager, said: “We want to spread the word that the UK’s rich Olympic heritage actually goes back 400 years and these courses will help bring this intriguing past to life.

“From Greece to the Cotswolds and on to London 2012, the Olympic story is a fascinating one. Thanks to the 400^th Cotswold Olimpicks on our doorstep, Farncombe Estate is the ideal place to get into the spirit of the Games.”

Farncombe is a 370-acre estate with breathtaking views over the Vale of Evesham. Since it opened its doors in 2003, the residential venue has attracted thousands of visitors from around the world. 

With 11 dedicated training rooms, hundreds of weekend leisure courses take place every year.

As well as history courses, there are opportunities to learn about everything from painting with watercolours, singing Gospel or decorating cupcakes to creative writing, enhancing your digital camera skills or attempting Bollywood dancing.

To book your place on a course call 0333 456 8580, email enquiries@farncombeestate.co.uk or visit www.farncombeestate.co.uk.