Henry’s Hobbies

Real Tennis Real Tennis is the original game upon which today’s tennis game is based. Henry VIII played the sport at Hampton Court Palace. Anne Boleyn was arrested whilst watching a game of real tennis at Hampton Court.

Jousting Jousting is a game that takes place between two mounted knights. The knights use a variety of weapons including: axes, lances, daggers and swords. The aim of the sport was to de-horse the opponent.

BEAR BAITING Bear Baiting was very popular in Tudor England. Arenas were called Bear Gardens. A bear would be chained to a post. A number of dogs would then be placed in the pit to attack the bear.

HUNTING Hunting was very common in Tudor England. The hunt allowed the rich nobles to show off their fine horses, hawks, clothing, and weapons. The animals that were hunted the most were stags. Ordinary men had to hunt smaller animals like rabbits.

FEASTING The meals of Henry VIII were some of the most fantastic ever created. He enjoyed extravagant dishes some as exotic as dolphin meat! He also enjoyed fancy pudding moulded from sugar. He even enjoyed alcoholic drinks containing pure gold! The Tudors had fine table manners.