Had a most enjoyable day at
The tours were interesting enough, although Brett observed accurately that the sections by Wren felt like a mini-Versailles. The Tudor section included the massive kitchens complex though, where they had people working for you to talk to as part of the tour while they baked real food of the period. Unfortunately Henry VIII’s State Apartments had largely been demolished when William and Mary remodelled the palace, but the beautiful Great Hall and some of its antechambers were still intact. The Great Hall has a stunning Hammer Beam ceiling! The Chapel Royal (a largely 17th Century remodelling job) had a curious tiled floor; hexagons and triangles which looked remarkably like inter-locking Stars of David curious décor for such religously-aware monarchs. The audio guide didn’t mention anything about it though…
Had a pleasant surprise call from Chris C while we were wandering the gardens. He is looking to come down for a visit with his wife Michelle in November. I confirmed I was likely free around the period he was considering. It will be good to see them again. Hopefully I will be able to take some time off and do some touristy things with them.
Brett picked up a booklet on the history of the royal succession in the shop as we headed back to the car. Apparantly, in the US, schoolchildren have to learn the names of all the Presidents. I have a horrible feeling he's going to try and test me on my knowledge of kings and queens - although during the day I impressed myself by remembering the succession from William & Mary right through to Elizabeth II. I guess some of that old Saga trivia is still lurking in the dusty corners of my brain
We eventually rolled home as the Palace closed for the day, thoroughly exhausted but happy.
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