On Friday 9th May, Year 8 visited Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire, where they explored Tudor food, architecture and the life of William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I.

Built in the 16th Century, Burghley is one of the largest and grandest surviving houses of the period. The estate has remained in the hands of the Cecil family ever since, with each generation contributing to its conservation and evolution.

The visit offered a valuable insight into the societal role of Tudor homes and how a house like Burghley functioned not just as a family residence, but as a centre of political and domestic life. Students toured the state rooms, admired neoclassical artworks and discovered how the estate operated as a self-contained community, complete with its own dairy, brewhouse and other working buildings.

They also heard how Burghley’s history continued beyond the Tudor era. A highlight for many was learning about Queen Victoria’s visit and seeing the tree she planted, which still stands today.

Charlotte (Year 8) said: “I really enjoyed going to Burghley House as we learnt about how the Tudors lived and how William Cecil designed such a grand house. The house was amazing, inside and out, and it was a really fun and fascinating day.”

Mia and Maryam (Year 8) added: “We were impressed by the size of the house and found it very interesting. We loved having a picnic on the big field outside the house in the sun. It was a great day out and we learned a lot of History.”