This recording is meant for kids learning English, could you please read rather slowly, thank you. Feel free to rephrase anything that would sound strange to a native speaker.
Hampton Court Palace is situated on the River Thames, 17 miles from London. First a medieval manor, it was rebuilt and extended into a beautiful palace. Its most famous resident was Henry VIII.
The palace is built around three courtyards. As you enter you find yourself in "Base Court". Spot the chimneys of various designs. There are over 240 of them around Hampton Court.
Directly ahead, there is a gatehouse, leading to the Clock Court. The big astronomical clock shows the hours, days of the week, the high tides,the phases of the moon and even the signs of the Zodiac, incredible, isn't it?
Don't miss the Tudor hall. This was the centre of the palace life in Tudor times. Up to 600 people ate meals in the hall. Note the beautiful stained glass windows.
You must also see the Haunted Gallery, where the ghost of Catherine Howard, Henry's fifth wife, is said to appear .... that's scary, isn't it?
Go and visit the huge kitchens. Can you imagine what is was like to provide meals for hundreds of people twice a day? Keep in mind that in those days, there were no dishwashers no fridges no electricity...
If you want to learn more about the palace and the people who lived there, listen to the costumed guides, they are have a lot to tell.
The castle is wonderful, so are the gardens. Take a walk along the paths, enjoy the flower beds, ponds, hedges, fountains, statues...
The Tudors loved to have fun. They planted a maze in which people could lose their way for hours. Today, it includes half a mile of paths and sounds depicting Tudor life. Don't miss it, you'll have fun!
Tennis was also extremely popular in Tudor England. Henry VIII was very good at this sport and often played. Historians say that his second wife Anne Boleyn was watching a game of tennis when she was arrested and that Henry was playing tennis when news was brought to him of her execution. Gloomy, isn't it?
Do you know that the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" was partly shot at Hampton court Palace? Enjoy this short video....
I hope you enjoyed this intoduction to a visit. Give yourself plenty of time when you go to the Palace to actually see and enjoy the place....
