Tapestry of the Condemnation of the Banquet, Tournai workshop, first half of the 16th century. High-warp tapestry, wool and silk. Musée Lorrain.
On the evening of Monday 20 July 2026, join Anthony Musson and Timothy Schroder for History at The Hall – Banqueting at the Court of Henry VIII.
1527 marked the 200th anniversary of the Goldsmiths’ Company. It was also the year in which two extraordinary banquets took place. Held at Hampton Court and Westminster Palace for the French ambassadors, they celebrated the signing of a new treaty between Henry VIII and the French king, Francis I, and were among the most extravagant of the century.
This lecture looks at these events from all angles: the bewildering array of food that was served, the rituals that were performed, and the wealth of plate that was deployed, the latter illustrated by pieces from the Company’s collection, shortly to be placed on loan at the new London Museum.
Anthony Musson is Head of Research at Historic Royal Palaces and Timothy Schroder is Chair of the Goldsmiths' Company's History Group.
Tickets for History at The Hall – Banqueting at the Court of Henry VIII are priced at £15 per person and include light refreshments after the talk.
Members of the Company (Freemen, Liverymen, Members of The Court) are able to book up to four (4) tickets at a 50% discount through the Member’s Portal.
Doors will open at 17:45 for a prompt 18:00 start
Tickets for History at The Hall – Banqueting at the Court of Henry VIII will be available to book from Tuesday 2 June.
Terms & Conditions
Tickets for History at The Hall – Banqueting at the Court of Henry VIII are priced at £15 per person, include a glass of wine or a soft drink, and are non refundable
Members of the Company (Freemen, Liverymen, Members of The Court) are able to book up to four (4) tickets at a 50% discount through the Member’s Portal.
Tickets must be booked in the name of the person who is attending - photo ID that matches the name on the booking will be required to gain entry.
Security & bag policy
Goldsmiths’ Hall operates Airport style enhanced security procedures for all public events - these include a bag scanner and a security arch. Suitcases and items larger than a laptop bag are not permitted inside the building. Unmanned cloakroom facilities will be provide free of charge for coats, bags and umbrellas.
Disabled access to Goldsmiths’ Hall
Due to building works currently being undertaken at Goldsmiths’ Hall, we currently do not have step-free access into the building.
If you have any concerns or questions about visiting the building, please email info@thegoldsmiths.co.uk
The public rooms of Goldsmiths’ Hall are located on the first floor, and can be accessed by lift from within the ground floor lobby.