Child's play Rich May 09 24/4/09 12:40 Page 1
CHILD’ S PLAY
On the Tudor trail
There is nothing like a site visit to bring the past to life. Five centuries on
from the accession of Henry VIII, guest writer Tina Lofthouse creates a
history trail to teach children about England’s most famous king
o king has ever captured the public
N
imagination quite like Henry VIII.
And, with 2009 marking the 500th
anniversary of his accession to the throne,
it’s a fine opportunity to interest children
in one of history’s most tumultuous times.
From dramatic castles to poignant ruins,
the spirit of Henry broods over a host of
sites, many of them here in the South-East.
Several are hosting special events this year.
So pack the sandwiches, round up the kids
and hit the Henrician trail. Here are a few
of the most intriguing destinations...
Whitehall
First to Westminster, where Henry was a
frequent visitor to Cardinal Wolsey’s York
Hever Castle, Kent and (top) Anne Boleyn Images courtesy of Hever Castle
Place. When Wolsey fell, Henry renamed
the building Whitehall and substantially Hever Castle Syon House, Brentford
redesigned it on the grand scale. It was A Kent castle straight out of a fairytale, Henry dissolved the abbey at Syon, and
here, in 1547, that he died. with its turrets, moat and maze. Of course, when his coffin stopped here overnight on
By 1691 Whitehall was the largest palace Anne Boleyn’s life story had anything but its way to Windsor Castle, his body is said
in Europe, but two fires wiped out all but a fairytale ending, but this was her to have burst. Next morning dogs were
the sumptuous Banqueting House, childhood home. It’s ideal for younger found licking the remains – some said it
designed in 1622 by Inigo Jones and with kids, with jousting, archery and costumed was divine retribution. A Renaissance
ceiling by Rubens. It still stands today. figures of Henry VIII and his six wives. mansion was built here by the Duke of
The Banqueting House, Whitehall, Hever, nr Edenbridge, Kent. Apr 1 – Somerset – Lord Protector to Henry’s son
London SW1. Mon to Sat, 10am – 5pm Oct 31; daily, last admission 5pm. See and successor, Edward VI – and the estate
www.hrp.org.uk/banquetinghouse website for entry during other seasons. was later remodelled in the 1760s.
Tower of London
www.hevercastle.co.uk Off Twickenham Road, Brentford.
A bloody spot. Anne Boleyn, Henry’s King Henry’s Mound, Richmond Park
Mar 8 – Oct 31; Weds, Thurs, Sun
second wife, was beheaded here in 1536 Now in the grounds of Pembroke Lodge,
and public holidays, 11am – 5pm
and lies buried in the chapel. Roses are this is reputedly where Henry came on
www.syonpark.co.uk
sent ‘anonymously’ every year on the horseback in 1536, waiting for a rocket to Windsor Castle
anniversary of her death, and her ghost is be fired to signal the execution of Anne Henry’s final resting place – he is buried
still said to haunt the Tower. Fifth wife Boleyn. The views are simply stunning. here in St George’s Chapel next to his third
Catherine Howard met a similar fate, Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park and favourite wife, Jane Seymour, mother of
while Henry’s Chancellor, Sir Thomas www.royalparks.org.uk his son and heir. On view is one of his last
More, was held here for a year before his
Richmond Palace
suits of armour, measuring 6ft in height and
own execution for treason in 1535.
Every Richmond reader knows the story
52 inches around the waist. Until April 2010
The Tower of London, EC3. Tues to Sat
of this place: built by Henry VII, who
there is a Henry display, with portraits,
9am – 5.30pm, Sun & Mon 10am – 5.30pm
named it after his estates in Yorkshire;
miniatures and books from his library.
www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon
loved by Elizabeth I, who died here and –
Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire. Open
Greenwich according to legend – named James VI of
daily 9.45am – 5.15pm (4.15pm Nov – Feb)
This was a key area for Henry. He was Scotland as her successor on her deathbed,
www.royalcollection.org.uk
born in the lost palace here – as were his triggering a rapid ride north to Edinburgh Hampton Court Palace
two daughters – and he married his fourth with the news; less favoured by Henry Finally, the most famous Henrician home
wife, Anne of Cleves, in the Chapel Royal, VIII, who preferred Hampton Court. of all. Henry spent the equivalent of £18m
the remains of which were uncovered by a The palace was largely dismantled on Hampton Court – another ex-residence
dig in 2006. He also set up dockyards at during the Civil War, and today little more of Cardinal Wolsey – with its bowling
Deptford and Woolwich nearby. than the famous main gateway remains. alleys, vast kitchens and Great House of
Today the Old Royal Naval College For the present exhibition at the Museum Easement: a toilet seating 28 people. All six
stands on the palace site, and will host of Richmond, From Henry VII to Henry wives came to Hampton Court, with
various Henry VIII themed events in June. VIII in Richmond, see p67. Catherine Howard said still to haunt it.
Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey.
London. Open daily 10am – 5pm Richmond. Tues to Sat, 11am – 5pm Open daily, 10am – 6pm
www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org www.museumofrichmond.com www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace
www.richmondmagazine.co.uk 73
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