Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

News > The House > 1525 BANQUET IN HALL

1525 BANQUET IN HALL

Our 500th Anniversary celebrations got off to a flying start with a Tudor banquet in Hall on Tuesday 28 January. Graduate Scheme Development Associate, Aaron James (2020, Modern Languages), was there.
25 Feb 2025
The House
The English Wind Consort playing period instruments in Hall
The English Wind Consort playing period instruments in Hall

Given that Cardinal Wolsey ensured that the kitchen and the dining hall were the first buildings completed when he first began to build Cardinal College in 1525, a Tudor banquet held in January seemed a most fitting way to kick off celebrations of Christ Church’s 500th Anniversary.

In the glow of the red candles, silver candleholders, and gold decorations, festivities began with music in Hall played by a Tudor string of Tudor minstrels. Hearing the Cathedral Choir then move seamlessly between the compelling college Grace (Nos miseri homines et egeni…) and the rousing Pastime in Good Compagnie penned, of course, by King Henry VIII, was a good reflection of the seriousness and jollity of Tudor times. The musicians’ announcement of High Table added an extra flair to proceedings, and is something I think we should do at more dinners…

The menu of Tudor-inspired delights was a testament to the skill of Chef Chris Simms and his team. A starter of deviled stuffed eggs and watercress, apparently as in vogue in the 1980s as they were in the 1580s, was followed by a lamb, prune and stout mincemeat alongside entremets of grand sallet and frumenty. This last dish, a thick boiled grain dish resembling porridge, caused something a buzz both before and after the dinner, and became the ‘word of the week’ amongst my friends.

Dessert was an equally exquisite affair, featuring a cheesecake dressed with fragrant rosewater and orange. It went down well with good conversation, excellent wine from the Buttery, and the joy of celebrating 500 years of Christ Church. Of course, all with the portraits of King Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey watching closely on.

Aaron James (2020, Modern Languages).

SIMILAR STORIES

Detail from Christ carrying the cross by Mattia Preti

The Picture Gallery's next exhibition (opening on 7 April) brings together drawings from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, exploring how artists depicted complex themes of love,… More...

A paper on molecular dynamics by two Christ Church academics, Dr Clare Rees-Zimmerman and Professor Dirk Aarts (in colla… More...

On 28 February Muslims began observing Ramadan. At Christ Church, the month was marked the first Iftar in Hall. Mikyle O… More...

Christ Church's new Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, based at 37 St Giles, has opened. It will educate studen… More...

The Meadow is known for its longhorn cattle, much to the delight of many visitors. The cattle share the Meadow with a my… More...

Have your say