At the end of last week, we had the pleasure of getting to take a day trip to Hampton Court Palace. I honestly had no idea what to expect. I am not a big tudor history nerd like a lot of my classmates, so honestly, I was just excited to see the pretty palace and the gardens. And needless to say that goal was definitely met. I was astounded by the incredible architecture and murals that hung on so many of the walls. Getting to walk through the halls that so many royals onces walked through was such a cool experience.
It was super easy to envision what a day in the tudor life would have looked like. I imagine it started out with a fancy breakfast of some sort. We got to see the kitchens, (yes that kitchen is plural), where they would have prepared these meals for the royal family. I would then imagine that they would have a morning walk through the gorgeous gardens that are right outside their front door. Getting the walk the gardens myself was such a surreal experience. We didn’t walk the entirety of the gardens, just because it was a little rainy and we were getting hungry, but we walked alongside the pond and took cute pictures under the tree. I feel like if I were a novelist or a poet, I would have such a fun time getting to create these magnificent stories in this place.
Getting to learn about all of the different Kings that lived here was especially cool. I’m always fascinated by the Henry VIII of it all, so getting to see where he lived was so cool, but also very chilling.
Throughout this trip, I have always felt a sense of reverence for these spaces. I have felt so honored that I have gotten to walk through all these places that are loaded with history. I can already tell that these experiences are going to shape the art that I will make in the future, and I can’t wait to see how experiences like Hampton Court Palace have an impact on me and my art.
-R
Theatre in London U of A 