Our Community & Our History - The Tudors & Nonsuch Palace

Course Information

Learning Aim: Z0060042

General Information

Learning something new and meeting new people who have the same interest can really help with a person’s wellbeing.

Henry VIII began building Nonsuch Palace in 1538 near to his hunting grounds and intended it to rival any of the great palaces of France. So how did the Tudors live, work, eat and play at Nonsuch Palace? Come and learn about how and why the palace was built, who lived in it, and the exciting events that took place in the local area. You will also have the chance to explore Tudor fashions, music, diets and even create your own Tudor dish! Learners will create a small exhibition at the end of the course on the topic.

What will I learn on this course

On this course we will explore the history and culture of the Tudors and Nonsuch Palace during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I. In a supportive, friendly and fun environment you will explore local history and learn how it fits into the wider social and cultural history of the Tudor era. 

You will learn to read basic historical sources and also explore Tudor culture, including music, diet and aristocratic hobbies. Some of our more ‘hands on’ activities will include the option of creating a Tudor dish and researching music to enhance our understanding of the era and what life might have been like at Nonsuch Palace. Our trips out will include a visit to the original site of Nonsuch Palace to map out the area and to Whitehall in Cheam to view a model of Nonsuch Palace and learn about the significance of the house for history.

There will be some written activities and at the end of the course, we will create a small online or in person exhibition for the local community (depending on public health advice), which will be a chance for you to develop your creative skills and communicate your ideas and learning.

By the end of the course you should be able to: 

Explain why Henry VIII began work on Nonsuch Palace 

Explain how Elizabeth I used of the palace

Assess the importance of Nonsuch Palace in history

Identify Tudor fashions and pastimes

Evaluate Tudor diets and bake a basic Tudor-style cake

Understand the significance of Whitehall (Cheam) in history

Be able to present your learning with the learning group and wider community in a small exhibition

On this course, you will develop the following life skills 

Mental WellbeingSocial Wellbeing

English SkillsMaths Skills

Employability SkillsDigital Skills

Confidence building

Critical Thinking

This course is run at The Whitehall, Cheam

Venue Address: 1 Malden Rd, Cheam, Sutton SM3 8QD

Do I need any skills for this course?

This course is suitable for learners of all abilities. No prior knowledge of the Tudor period is required. 

Additional information

Due to the age of the museum there are low door frames, uneven floors and spiral staircases so care must be taken when moving around the building.

There are no additionalcosts for trips out, but if you wish to bake a cake or create a small Tudor-style sewing piece, you will need to purchase your own supplies.

To enrol please complete this Enrolment form and someone from our enrolment team will contact you to take payment if applicable.

What are the progression opportunities at the end of this course?

We offer a range of both wellbeing and history courses at Sutton College. Please see our website for further details. 

If you are unsure of your next steps for education, employment or career choices our Advice Service can help, contact advice@suttoncollege.ac.uk

If you cannot find the course you are looking for, please contact our Customer Enquiry Centre on 020 8289 4700 or click below to search.