As we arrived at the palace we were greeted by this man, and we were convinced he must be Henry VIII. He told us he wasn't, but just a guard.
The children were all slightly obsessed with the idea that we might see a ghost as some parts of Hampton Court are reportedly haunted. Some were fearful about this, but most gleeful. I had reassured some of the nervous ones that we almost certainly would not see any Tudors. But as we were just about to enter the Royal Appartments, when to our shock out burst a very grumpy Henry VIII. He ordered us out of the way, and then disappeared at speed down the stairs with one of his wives. For me me this was one of the highlights of the trip.
Later we were also impressed with some beautiful paintings. This one we learned could not actually have been sat for, as Henry is flanked by Edward VI and his mother Jane Seymour, who died shortly after his birth.
I also thought you might like to see this rather interesting royal toilet. How many royal botties might have sat here?
Sorry if the pictures are not the greatest quality, as I was snapping very quickly, while making sure we didn't lose anyone. Any school trip where you come back with the same number of children you set off with is a success!
