A spectacularly spooky night was to be had at the palace after dark. Stepping through the gates, I was transported into a shadowy historic realm. Ghosts and ghouls seemed to appear in every crevice through the courtyard. Was it a trick of my mind? Or was there something actually there, lurking in the darkness. As you went into each chamber you were confronted with the sights and sounds of ghosts, kings, and queens who reigned long ago. Projected blood dripped down on the inside of the courtyard; each room had its own tale to tell. As soon as I entered the dark, red room of Cardinal Wolsey, I could feel some evil presence there, keeping out of sight in the dark, waiting to pounce. There was the Cardinal's grand gown, still remaining regal and beholding great power. It stood tall, waiting to be worn once more. He was King Henry VIII’s top advisor who made all the Kings’ important decisions, even whilst leading the Catholic Church. I moved out of that room, and into the palace's courtyard, there the looming clock tower was giving off a powerful, luminous light, where shadows danced and leaped across through the inky sky. I entered the kitchens, and I was suddenly made aware of the large fireplace which made me perceive the cold, grey floor beneath me leading me to the potion making table. I could feel the existence of Millicent Aylesbury, who in the 1560’s created perfumes, cosmetics and medicines for the Tudor kings and queens by distilling plants to make sweet waters. Her healing power and skill at brewing potions was vital to the monarch. After I moved from the long table containing magical potions galore, I went through the room and came upon a horrifying mummified cat which was believed to ward off evil spirits after death! This then led me to my final destination, back to the courtyard in which I saw a fantastic play about Mole the Mischief Maker. As darkness fell, Mole caused terrible chaos throughout the palace using his mind-controlling powers and playful misbehaviour. Would you fall under his mystical spell?  

It was an evening to remember, and certainly a spooky one too, at Hampton Court Palace.