Henry VIII, his wives and the Tudor court, Friday 16 October, Hampton Court Palace, 10am – 4pm

A fabulous introduction to the spectacular but dangerous world of the Tudors, amid the atmospheric surroundings of Hampton Court Palace on the Thames

Our study day lecturer is historian Dr Elizabeth Norton, whose many books include England’s Notorious Queens and The Lives of Tudor Women. Elizabeth holds a double first in history from Cambridge and an archaeology degree from Oxford. She shares her unrivalled knowledge of the lives of Henry VIII, his wives and their Tudor court amid the splendours of Hampton Court Palace, the scene of many of the dramatic events she will describe. 

Her inside knowledge of the intrigues, triumphs and tragedies of the Tudors will interest anyone intrigued by Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy and who is eager to discover the truth behind the fiction.  

We will meet at 10am at the entrance of Hampton Court Palace, we will break for lunch at 12.30 in a private room at The Mitre, just across the road. Limited to 20 places, entrance cost and lunch is included. 

As a fun addition to our Hampton Court Tudor tour Real Tennis enthusiast, the Rev Andrew Downes, will stage an exhibition match for us at the palace’s Real Tennis court and also offer us a refreshing glass of fizz. Come along to see the game that Cardinal Wolsey and Henry VIII introduced to England!

We will email you nearer the time with a reminder, more details and to request any dietaries etc.