19 Oct. - Hampton Court

Images: Glorious Tudor brickwork chimneys at Hampton Court palace

The turreted central gateway is instantly familiar + the protruding wings of polychrome brickwork almost embrace you as you approach. Its delightful Tudor chimneys - barley-sugar twists, herringbone, lattice-work + more - make it unmistakably certain ... This is Hampton Court Palace - Wolsley's error, Henry's gain + delight.

Rich with opulent details, luxurious furnishings, vast kitchens, grand gardens, fountains, tapestries, oak enough to fell numerous forests + gilding aplenty. It's a great shame it no longer rings with the clatter of dishes, or fills with the rich cacophony of court whispers or regent's bellows.

No more the mixed aromas of great feasts or stables reek. All is hushed save for the irritating murmur of a thousand audio-tours brandished by shuffling tourists. 'Get them out!' Oh! to restore its purpose and life anew!

Notes: London was preparing for a chaotic day of Extinction Rebellion (XR) climate change protests and more, including closure of some Underground lines, so we headed in the opposite direction for a day of immersion in Tudor times. I wished for Henry VIII to storm the corridors shouting at the impertinent intruders.