As many of you know, the foundation of Hampton School is attributed to the generous gift made in the will of Robert Hammond in 1557. In his will, he bequeathed property and land to establish a “free scoole” for local boys in the parish of Hampton. Hammond himself was a wealthy London brewer and local businessman in Tudor England.
In the March of 2007, 450 years after Hammond founded the School, the Hampton School community undertook a series of celebratory events to mark this momentous anniversary. Alongside more formal events, such as the ceremony at St Pauls Cathedral, on the 16th of March 2007 Hampton School held a ‘Tudor Lunch’. Inspired by the life and times of the Schools original benefactor, Hampton leapt back in time to Tudor England. Befitting the occasion, the Schools catering staff created the lunch with recipes that were over five hundred years old!
The lunch consisted of:
- Old Soppys (soaked bread)
- Beef y-stywyd (stewed beef)
- Tarts owte of lente (a Cheese pie)
To enhance the experience even further, not only were the walls of the Dining hall decorated with posters of Henry VIII and his six wives, but the teachers were also dressed up as Tudor characters. Pivotal amongst the Tudor party was Mr. Simpson, who was dressed up as King Henry VIII.
A thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience for all involved. I wonder how future Hamptonians will look back on our present way of life?
