Walking in Queen Elizabeth's Footsteps

Old Palace School is inviting visitors to the historic Croydon building to walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I to mark the 400th anniversary of her death.

Four hundred years ago this month one of the longest reigns in our history came to an end.

In March 1603 Elizabeth I died, having ruled for nearly 45 years. Her reign saw England develop as a trading nation, produce writers like Shakespeare and enjoy peace and stability, at least when compared to the times of her father Henry VIII and sister Mary.

Elizabeth had strong connections with Croydon, one of her favourite haunts being the Old Palace, where she occasionally stayed.

Formerly a home of the Archbishops of Canterbury, Elizabeth made at least 15 visits there during her reign, often staying for several days.

Elizabeth spent time in both the medieval great hall, and a 16th Century chapel, dining in one and worshipping in the other.

The room where she used to sleep and powder her nose, is also part of the tour, as is the 16th century Long Gallery where she used to dance and socialise.

It is recorded that in this Gallery in 1587 she conferred the Great Seal of England on Sir Christopher Hatton, making him her Lord Chancellor.

Andrew Bradstock, from the Friends of Old Palace who organise the tours, said: "During the 1580s the Queen came several times to see a 'horse race' at Croydon.

"Since her visits always coincided with 1st May, it is thought that was when the race was held.

"We don't know how many other people attended the race, but they wouldn't have got very close to the Queen as a special 'standing' (or stand) was arranged for her there.

"This was shipped across the Thames from Whitehall to Lambeth and then taken on hired carts to Croyon, returning eventually by the same route.

"Enormous preparation went into the Queen's visits. One contemporary account notes that before her visit to Croydon in April and May 1585 a gentleman usher called Francis Coot and line yeomen and grooms spent eight days making ready for her Majesty the Bishop's house.

"While her host, Archbishop John Whitgift, would doubtless have been pleased and honoured to entertain her, each visit would have cost him dear." The Queen's last visit to Croydon was in 1600, but she stopped coming to the horse race much earlier.

Mr Bradstock added: "There was a rather sinister reason for this, for a report written in 1591 notes that a Catholic priest had been discovered at the races with a pistol at his side intending evil towards her Majesty.

"Perhaps she was tipped off about this and decided not to attend. The priest in question was later executed."

Old Palace is in Old Palace Road, which is opposite the Church Street tramlink stop. Tours commence promptly at 1.45pm and cost £5 (£4 children, senior citizens and concessions). The price includes a tea with scones and jam served in the 13th Century Undercroft.

Booking is not necessary except for large parties (please call 020 8680 1467). Tours are organised by the Friends of Old Palace who regret that .he building is unsuitable for wheelchairs.