Interior of the Great Hall of the Old Palace of Hatfield House. Photo May 1998.
This is the hall where they do the Renaissance Banquets. At other times there is a little inset bay that is open for you to peek into the Great Hall, which is how I got this picture.
I did the Hatfield Banquet clear back in 1985! Elizabeth I was our hostess. Definitely touristy, but the chance to get inside the Old Hall wasn’t to be ignored. A good time was had by all and it made for a fun evening.
Some day I’m going to do that banquet. I almost did on two of my previous trips, but didn’t for various reasons. Next time!
Tracey, did you wear period dress (hired from the preferred costumers indicated in the article) or “smart casual dress”? Did other diners (not the staff) go as specific Tudor people (Lettice Knollys or Catherine Grey to rile Queen Bess, for example), or just generic Tudor people?
At the time, I don’t think a hired costume was available. That would have been fun, however! I went via a London tour coach…can you imagine the looks if I’d stepped aboard as Anne Boleyn????…especially as her daughter was our hostess. The only folks in period dress were the staff…from servers to musicians.
Altho it has been 25 years since my banquet (OH MY!!! Time sure does fly!!!), it’s an evening event I’d gladly recommend. As said, definitely touristy…but if you get into the spirit and make up your mind you’re going to have a rousing good time, you will 🙂
it was taken at a good angle and a peacful pic i could look at it for hours.