VISITORS to Layer Marney Tower were treated to a trip in their very own time machine as the stately home marked 500 years since it was visited by King Henry VIII.

On Sunday, crowds were entertained by pipers and fascinated by Henry’s Tudor courtiers, who roamed the grounds in contemporary dress and spoke in the old English vernacular whilst visitors marvelled at the activities on offer.

Gazette: Courtly business – two ladies discuss the matters of the dayCourtly business – two ladies discuss the matters of the day

The event marked the 500-year anniversary of Henry VIII’s visit to layer Marney Tower, when the monarch was dropped by to see his close friend, Henry Marney, in 1522.

Henry Marney had risen to prominence in the court of Henry VII, and went on to be appointed the Lord Privy Seal by Henry VIII.

Gazette: Eye of a needle – a blackwork embroiderer shows a design on plain-weave fabricEye of a needle – a blackwork embroiderer shows a design on plain-weave fabric

Young families had the chance to get involved with a range of activities throughout the day, including archery and falconry, as well as watch traditional basket makers and embroiderers at work.

Nicholas Charrington, the owner of Layer Marney Tower, said the 500-year anniversary was a success, with about 300 people making their way through the door throughout the day.

Gazette: Ruffling feathers – the falconry was popular amongst the Tudor courtiersRuffling feathers – the falconry was popular amongst the Tudor courtiers

He said: “We were really pleased – we tried to structure if so visitors could do all the different activities and not miss out on anything.

“Henry VIII really did come here 500 years ago, and the idea that we were walking on ground he walked on all became a bit more real.

Gazette: Packing up – actors remained in dress and in character all day during warm conditionsPacking up – actors remained in dress and in character all day during warm conditions

“There must have been about 30 to 40 actors who were there, with some dressed as everyday folk and others were dressed as specific characters – they took real pride in trying to make it authentic.

“What was good was that the visitors enjoyed it and having that sense of theatre running all the way through the day.”

Gazette: Threading together – visitors enjoyed watching the basket maker hard at workThreading together – visitors enjoyed watching the basket maker hard at work

Mr Charrington added another event was being organised for next year to mark death of Henry Marney in 1523.

“Next year, we are planning a much bigger event – Henry Marney was brought here in an elaborate funeral procession when he died – so this event will become an altogether bigger thing.”