England: Hampton Court

King Henry VIII isn't usually within my realm of research, but when you're speaking at a school that's literally several blocks from the dude's palace, you go for it.

This is the front entrance but not the one normally used by ol' Henry. Travel by road was notoriously rough going so he most often came in via the Thames through the golden gates at the back.

Everything about the palace was large and in charge. It's a way bigger complex than you'd expect. Here's the great hall, which is where big dinners were held.

Even the 500 year old tapestries on the walls were grand.

And don't forget to look up. Every ceiling was different.

Warning: don't lose your head over the admission ticket. It's a little pricey to visit this place, but living large like Henry VIII is a once in a lifetime event, eh?