Regular spring term visits and bookings will open later than usual on 2 March 2009 as the Tudor state apartments are being refurbished and re-presented.
Their transformation is in preparation for Hampton Court's 2009 showcase 'Henry VIII: Heads and hearts', a celebration of the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne.
Special session: A real Tudor cookery
During the palace's refurbishment, however, the education service will run a special
Key Stage 2 session about Tudor food. From 26 January to 6 February students can try their hand at cooking Tudor style in these full day sessions in the palace kitchens.
Tudor sessions at the Tower
Teachers looking to study the Tudors in January and February can also choose from a range of available
sessions at the Tower of London. Key Stage 2 sessions at the Tower, for example, cover National Curriculum History units 7, 8 and 19.
Hampton Court's re-presentation
Plans for the 2009 celebrations include decking Henry's state apartments out as they might have looked when they hosted the wedding of Henry to Kateryn Parr, his sixth wife, in 1543.
Rooms will be lavishly decorated, new parts of the palace will be opened and an exhibition will explore Henry's wives and his dynastic quest. And all these changes will bring with them new opportunities for schools and education groups in the future.
2008-9 term dates
Hampton Court Palace
Autumn
8 September to 12 December 2008
Spring
2 March to 3 April 2009
- Half term: 16-20 February
Summer
20 April to 10 July 2009
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See also...
Teachers' resources
Downloads, materials and other resources to support learning about Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London.
