Y4 trip to Hampton Court

Year 4 had a fantastic time at Hampton Court exploring one of Henry VIII’s finest palaces. The girls started the day with a tour of the Tudor palace led by Mistress Harris, one of King Henry’s loyal servants.  She explained that some rooms in the palace each had their own fireplaces and bathrooms whilst other rooms had to share toilets with 24 others. The girls found out where servants ate and slept in the Great Hall and learnt about the status of different servant roles, including Master Pastry Chef and the Groom of the Stool. Despite its good wages and high status, none of them wanted to do this latter job!

After lunch beside a beautiful wild-flower meadow, the girls explored the palace kitchens and visited the boiling house where meat for pies was prepared. In the kitchens, they saw plenty of interesting ingredients essential to Tudor recipes and huge fireplaces where meat was roasted on spits. Some of the menus on display included such Tudor delights as venison and swan.

All too soon, it was time to board the coach and return to the 21st Century. A great day was had by all.  Thank you, Hampton Court.