Hampton Court

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Some of Britain's most famous Kings and Queens have called Hampton Court Palace home. King Henry VIII, King James I and Queen Elizabeth I are just a few of the former residents of this beautiful, sprawling London palace.

Hampton Court has delighted and entertained royalty for five centuries, in modern times it is equally entertaining for visitors. The famous Hampton Court maze never fails to keep families busy, the working Tudor kitchens complete with real Tudor cooks offer a unique insight into the tastes of the 16th Century. Henry VIII's Great Hall is a truly spectacular sight and Andrea Magtegna's Triumphs of Caesar offer a real treat for art fans. The palaces painstakingly maintained gardens and comfortable cafés make Hampton Court Palace the perfect place to relax before a trip to the theatre.

Ghosthunters will be pleased to know that Hampton Court staff and visitors have reported several spooky sightings in recent years. The ghost of a screaming lady thought to be Catherine Howard is a semi-regular visitor to the palace's haunted gallery. The so-called "grey lady" began to appear in 1829 when the tomb of Dame Sybil Penn was moved, Penn was a favored servant of four Tudor royals. In October 2003 a mysterious figure was captured on the Palace's CCTV, staff have affectionately dubbed the mysterious visitor 'Skeletor'

Steeped in generations of rich royal history Hampton Court Palace is an educational, attractive and thoroughly interesting day out suitable for the entire family. The palace is a perfect addition to any London theatre break.

Hampton Court has a long and proud tradition of royal association. From its humble beginnings as a knight's supply store through its days as a royal guest house up until its use as an official royal palace, Hampton Court has always been closely linked to the royal family.

The origins of Hampton Court Palace can be traced as far back as 1236, an order of knights used the site as a store for grain and supplies. At this early date there was very little residential accommodation, if any. By the 14th Century the site had evolved into a guest house, ideally located to receive royal visitors due to its location between palaces at Sheen and Byfleet. After the palace at Byfleet was dismantled the Hampton guest house fell from royal favor.

The knights who owned Hampton Court were astute businessmen, realising the building's use as a guest house was now limited it was quickly rented to a courtier named Daubeney in 1494, not long after the palace at Byfleet was dismantled. Daubeney made some improvements to the building and the value of the property rose sharply in his tenancy which ended when he died in 1508.

Little happened at Hampton Court for six years after Daubeney's death. Eventually a flurry of activity began in 1514 when a 99 year lease on Hampton Court was granted to Thomas Wolsey, the archbishop of York. Wolsey made significant improvements to the building. Three royal apartments were added, a double height chapel was built and the already impressive manor house became a stunning Bishop's palace. When the pope stood in the way of Henry VIII's divorce from Katherine, his first wife, Wolsey's precious palace was taken from him by the enraged king.

Once Henry VIII had seized Hampton Court he rapidly began further improvements on the site, spending the modern equivilent of £18 million on creating the most lavish palace of the age. Grand dining halls, tennis courts, bowling alleys, pleasure gardens and even a 28 person toilet were installed at Hampton Court during Henry's reign. After his death Hampton Court Palace was passed to Henry VIII's heirs.

Architecturally, little changed at Hampton Court while Henry's heirs ruled, Elizabeth I used the palace to hold masque balls and entertain overseas dignitaries. The palace eventually passed into the hands of the Stuart monarch King James I. The palace was a favored hunting ground of James but he too showed little interest in improving the building preferring instead to hold lavish parties. James' son, Charles II was to be held as a prisoner at Hampton Court after he was deposed during the civil war.

During the war, Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentary troops seized the palace in 1645 and many royal possessions were put up for sale. The puritan troops also removed the opulent fittings from the Chapel Royal. Cromwell's time at Hampton Court was to be short lived, the monarchy was restored in 1660 and the royal family returned to Hampton Court.

King William III and Queen Mary II added the baroque elements of the palace we see today, they commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to make significant changes to Henry VIII's Tudor palace. For all monarchs the main appeal of Hampton Court was its superb hunting and this remained the main draw of the stunning site until the reign of King George III.

Hampton Court ceased to be an official royal residence in 1737 but King George III was quick to find an alternative use for the beautiful sprawling estate. The building was split into apartments for "grave-and-favour" residents - people who lived at the palace rent-free because they had offered great service to their country. Competition was fierce for the apartments, which were less luxurious than you may think.

In 1838 Queen Victoria opened Hampton Court to the public, 1838 and 1851 restoration work was carried out on the palace, many areas were "retudored". This was arguably the first time restoration rather than "improvement" had been carried out at the historic palace.

Careful restoration is still being carried out to this day, specialist teams care for the stunning but surprisingly delicate palace and its fabulous contents.

Interesting Facts

• Hampton Court contains a real tennis court built by King Henry VIII. Real tennis is quite different from the lawn tennis we see commonly today. The balls are heavier, the racquets slightly bent and the rules of play differ. Only 35 real tennis courts survive today.
• During her reign Queen Anne had racy, semi-naked paintings of her husband, Prince George cavorting with sea-creatures installed in her private apartments

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