Hampton Court cookery demonstrations

Being celebrated in England as “Drama & Debate,” 2004 marks the 400th anniversary of two auspicious events in King James I’s court of 1604: Shakespeare’s debut performance before the King in the Great Hall, and the Hampton Court Conference which led to the commissioning of the first King James Bible. With that in mind, every weekend from April 9 to May 31, 2004, the Great Kitchens of Hampton Court Palace will demonstrate Jacobean Cookery.

Costumed food historians will prepare dishes mentioned in Shakespeare’s works and in the King James version of the Bible. Alongside the cooks, visitors can learn how long-lost recipes turn out using original techniques, tools and ingredients.

Hampton Court Palace is open daily, except Dec. 24-26. Admission costs £11 adult, £ 7.25 child and £33 family (up to two adults and three children). Book tickets for Hampton Court Palace in advance; call 011 (44) 870 753 7777.