After an evening of so much merriment at Kingston Bagpuize, it was time for the students to continue their ongoing cultural education of historic Britain. The students staying in Queen’s and University Colleges voyaged to Hampton Court Palace in London to see the palace, or rather, palaces.
What originally began as a simple riverside manor house in the early 15th-century soon became on of Britain’s most lavish of homes. First designed and built by Cardinal Wolsey, then under a succession of kings, the incredible kitchens, tennis court, chapel, bowling alleys and gardens were added gradually. Inhabited by costumed characters and period-uniformed guards, the students quickly fell in love with the grandeur and intricacy of the design. Students were also regularly reminded to look up, to observe some of the most extravagant detailing in the ceilings and chimneys. The palace is most famous for being a particular favourite of King Henry VIII, who made many additions to the palace, most notably upgrading the kitchen to be able to serve a staggering 1000 meals per day.
After a morning steeped in history, the students spent the afternoon exploring the lavish gardens, losing themselves and each other in the tangled maze and pausing to have lunch next to the extravagant fountain. Students marvelled at the fruit cages and greenhouses, leagues ahead of their time.
On return to Queen’s, students were lead out to University parks for a number of games and sporting activities to complete a fantastic day of culture and fun.