Hampton Court Palace

On our last day in London we went to the 6th wedding of Henry VIII.

It was a fantastic day. We arrived a bit late, but in time to help Kathryn Parr choose her wedding dress, aided by her aunt, Lady Mary. Then we went down to the kitchens to share a flagon of ale with Henry before the wedding.

After that the menfolk we called into the council chambers, and we women retired to the Watching Hall to discuss marriage with Kathryn. Just as our conversation got into good flow Master Thin, the head of Henry's household staff informed us we had been summond to the Council Chambers as Henry wished to question Kathryn about her suitability to rule England whilst he took his army to France. Once he was satisfied that she was fully able he escorted her to the chapel for the wedding.

Given that we 'commoners' couldn't the actual wedding, Lady Mary and Master Thin explained to us about the clothes they were wearing, why they used those particular fabrics and what all the different parts symbolised. Apaprantly having a big bottom means you are wealthy because you can afford enough cloth to cover it :)

Once the King and his new Queen we married they returned to us in the Watching Hall for speaches and toasts. Once that was concluded we began to think about going home.

Of course no day out is complete without a visit to the little shop, and here we bought a book about Tudor clothing with patterns for us to have a go making our own curtles and gowns.

Dad had by now finished his course (and passed) so he met up with us at Hampton Court station and we drove home, arriving back in a very snowy Wiston. We finally pushed the car up the icey drive by 11.30pm and then all fell into bed.