There was a full house for the first meeting of the season on March 19, when Bernard Pumfrey spoke about 'Royal Palaces & Regalia'.

Little remains of the palaces of the early kings. England was divided into several kingdoms before the Conquest. Alfred the Great was respected throughout the land but Athelstan was the first to be called King of all the English in 925.

Their buildings were of timber and thatch. The first king to have something built which can be seen today was William I, the Conqueror.

William built the White Tower of the Tower of London. It was more of a fortification than a palace. Edward I extended it and made it into a palace. The Tower has been much altered over the years.

Henry VIII added little turrets and established the Yeomen of the Guard, now popularly known as Beefeaters. More windows were added later.

The Royal Regalia are kept in the Tower. The orb and sceptre, the ampulla and spoon used to anoint the monarch and several crowns are all there including the Imperial State Crown.

This crown contains the Black Prince's ruby, a large double stone that he wore into battle. The Tower also houses the execution axe and block.

Hampton Court is actually two palaces. The first, of red brick, was built for Cardinal Wolsey when he was at the height of his powers.

It is notable for its sumptuous apartments, elaborate chimneys and the statues of the Queen's Beasts. A second palace was joined to Wolsey's palace by Christopher Wren.

The most eccentric palace is the Brighton Pavilion. George IV bought an old farmhouse on the Sussex coast and told Nash to 'go oriental.' This accounts for the domes and the eastern decorations. It was lit by gas and had an elaborate equestrian centre.

Queen Victoria and Albert designed Osbourne House on the Isle of Wight. It was built in the Italianate style but the interior is fussy Victorian.

Mr Pumfrey finished with shots of Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.

The Friends meet at 7.30pm in the restaurant of Coughton Court on the third Wednesday of the month from March to October inclusive. Entry is via the gate in Coughton Fields Lane.

The next meeting is on April 16, when Peter Lee will talk on 'A Very Ordinary House' - the history of a house from 1300 to the present day. Visitors and new members welcome.