"
Eavesdroppers" in the Great Hall of Hampton Court Palace, residence of Henry VIII:
"The word eavesdropper has been in circulation since at least the 900s, coming from the old English, yfesdrype. It meant then just what it means now - someone listening to conversations in secret, watching and hearing without the permission or knowledge of the speakers.
"The cherubic, courtier faces carved into the ceiling at Hampton Court would have smiled down upon guests, reminding all that Henry was aware of everything at his court through courtiers and servants.
"Even while at play there was never a time for loose tongues among long ears, as those who spoke freely often did to perilous consequence." - Sandra Byrd
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