Over the centuries it fell into disrepair, until it was taken over by the Courtalds in the early 20th century. They restored the Great Hall and built a mansion as a kind of “annex”. The interiors of the mansion  were decorated and furnished in beatiful Art Deco style, e.g. the solid onyx bath and gold leaf tiles of one bathroom. Outside, the gardens were landscaped with rose gardens, and small lakes backed by enormous rock gardens. The high location of the Palace, combined with good weather in the morning  meant that the views over Docklands and the towers of central London were spectacular.

Our coach then dropped us off in Greenwich Park, At the Observatory we examined the Greenwich Meridian, found good places for lunch, and had a look at some of the Royal Naval College buildings, then gathered beside the Cutty Sark ready to embark on a river trip up to Westminster Bridge. At Westminster our coach picked us up and brought us home again.

Next day some perverted, bloodthirsty Soldier of Satan drove a vehicle accross Westminster Bridge and into people on the bridge, before attempting to enter the Houses of Parliament with knives. We had had an interesting day, but were happy to have missed that event.