1 of 40 - Visit Hampton Court Palace

Since I was at school, I have had a fascination with British history.  That doesn't mean I have a deep understanding of any particular period, but I do have a big love for the Victorians (for obvious reasons, having the same name as a queen!) and a fascination with Henry VIII and his 6 wives.  6!

Having heard Lucy Worsley (Chief Curator of the Historic Royal Palaces) speak, I felt compelled to do a bit of fangirling at Hampton Court Palace.  Of course, visiting on a Saturday means that Lucy Worsley is enjoying a well-earned rest, but still this place is amazing.  I knew about the Tudor significance, but I hadn't appreciated the development which took place under William III.  Slightly more than a small extension.

In total, there are over 1000 rooms at Hampton Court - not all of which we saw, obviously!  A great sense of history and showmanship abounded for the monarchs who called this palace home.

My visiting companion of choice was my friend Marian.  We've had the same taste in history since we can remember (we've known each other for 30 years!) and, living in London, she was an obvious person to ask to go with me.  It turned out that she'd been wanting to visit too, but had never quite got that far.

I'm quite giddy with excitement that my first item has been ticked off the list.  One down, thirty-nine to go!