History in the city

SIX children from the Herm School last week took a trip to London to learn more about Tudor palaces.

Two years ago they took a similar trip to learn about Shakespeare, and a trip to the Globe taught them more than they could ever learn from books.

This year’s project has been the Tudors, so the trip was a search for the real Henry VIII.

The first day included a visit to watch Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. This admittedly has nothing to do with Tudors, but is a chance to get a little culture, which can sometimes be lacking in a little island. Griff Rhys Jones was a very entertaining Fagin and the reality show lovers in the group were delighted to see Jodie Prenger, the winner of I’d Do Anything, as Nancy.

The second day was spent at the Tower of London, which was much bigger than anyone expected. The children learned more about Henry’s relationship with Ann Boleyn, about Traitor’s Gate and the execution site on the hill. The children were, needless to say, fascinated with the gory details. There was also a photo opportunity with ‘Peter the Beefeater’, who was very welcoming when he heard of our tiny school and island.

After stopping to look at the Brian Catling sculpture that marks the spot where three queens were executed, with its beautiful poem surrounding a glass cushion, next came a visit to the tower that held Lady Jane Grey, complete with 16th-century graffiti bearing her name.

Day three took the group to Hampton Court Palace, where the real Tudor education took place. Luckily, they are currently holding day-long recreations of Henry’s marriage to Kateryn Parr.

At the start of the day, visitors are split into two groups, courtiers and servants, and are taken to various parts of the palace to learn of the preparations for the royal wedding.

The Hermites started off as servants, but despite a lovely tour guide, whose comedy codpiece was the subject of much mirth and giggles among the more immature of the group (i.e. the adults), they soon ‘ennobled’ themselves and joined the courtiers, who had much more access to the royal couple.

It was a very educational experience for all, and helped to see Henry as a real person and not just the bloated, beheading despot we are all so familiar with.

All in all, the trip went well for all involved, and as well as being a welcome break before the hectic days of summer, the children were able to literally see history come alive. (from thisisguernsey)