A Tudor Wedding

Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn invited Year 7 to their wedding on Saturday. A group of artists were set to work to decorate the wedding venue - The Junior School Hall. With a production line quickly assembled, they decorated the room with the Royal coat of arms, with the Boleyn family's crest, and with cyphers depicting Henry and Anne's initials. Unfortunately Anne was not popular, with many royal courtiers favouring the previous queen, Katherine of Aragon, so many chose to read each cypher out loud as they passed - HA, HA, HA, HA (say it quickly to see the effect it has!). Meanwhile the Design department (well, a group under Master Carpenter Baker's direction in the CDT department) was in full swing producing papier-maché models of the royal couple, which they decorated with bright colours and jewels. A stunning reminder of the royal occasion which I am sure the couple will treasure.

Finally of course we come to the wedding party themselves - they needed to rehearse their role and their vows so courtiers under the direction of wedding planner Mistress Douglas were soon dressed in their finery. Entertained by the court jesters and fools and accompanied by their noble courtiers, the wedding ceremony proceeded without incident at mid-day. As a nice gesture to the artists and designers, all were invited to join the wedding celebrations. We all joined together in wishing a long and happy marriage to his majesty (Edward Johnston) and the Lady Anne (Lucy Hall) - I am sure that they will live a long and happy life.

Click here to see some of the pictures of the royal ceremony