Hampton Court Palace is a royal palace built in the early 16th century for Henry VIII. Located in Richmond, a few miles from my flat, it was a great place to explore on a sunny Sunday. Thomas Wolsey, Archbishop of York, took over the property in 1514 with the goal of creating a lavish palace. The palace was expanded upon over the years and includes both Tudor and Baroque styles. George II was the last monarch to live at Hampton Court Palace. Since 1760, the palace has been restored and today it is open to visitors.
Standing next to the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace is an enormous structure with a lot of intricate details that made it an interesting building to photograph. A free audio guide is included with the entry fee which was critical for someone like myself who hasn’t studied English history since an AP European history class over 10 years ago. Here are some of my favorite photographs of Hampton Court Palace and some fun historical facts.
Hampton Court Palace sits next to the River Thames.
The entrance to Hampton Court Palace.
Base Court, the first and largest courtyard, which contains 44 rooms for guests.
Henry VIII, the second Tudor monarch, was arguably the most famous inhabitant of Hampton Court Palace. Henry was known for his large figure (both in height and width) as well as his charisma, intelligence, and his six marriages, one of which was the basis for the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church.
Details on the ceiling
The Great Hall, the most important room in the palace during Tudor times. The hall was home to extravagant dinners and entertainment.
William of Orange, also known as William III, ruled alongside his wife Mary in the late 17th century. William and Mary began a large project to rebuild Hampton Court Palace in the Baroque style of Versailles. About half of Henry VIII’s Tudor palace was destroyed, including the Henry’s state rooms and private apartments.
The chair in which William III received guests.
Palace selfie in the mirror of one of William III’s public rooms.
The more public bedchamber of William III which followed French tradition.
William III’s study
A Stuart dining room
The Great Hall and private rooms of William and Mary are not the only great discoveries of Hampton Court Palace. As you pass through the halls from one area to another, it is possible to see impressive art works from the Tudor and Stuart periods.
The Fountain Court designed by Sir Christopher Wren during the time of William III.
The gardens of Hampton Court Palace today are all in the grand style of the late 17th century. None of Henry VIII’s gardens remain today. The main grounds were designed by Sir Christopher Wren and features there avenues in a crow’s foot pattern that stretch out to a large canal, known as the Long Water. The gardens were designed by pupils of Louis XIV’s gardener and the Versailles influence is notable.
A recreation based on William III’s privy garden in 1702.
A sunken garden and the Banqueting House which was built around 1700 and used for informal meals and entertainment.
Hampton Court Palace is a beautifully restored and preserved historical building from important and well-known times in English history. As an American, I always appreciate history that is older than my country and Hampton Court Palace was no exception. It was large enough to explore over an afternoon and the audio guide and signposted information were very informative.
Visitor Information: To get to Hampton Court Palace take a Southwest Train service from London Waterloo to Hampton Court Station. This should take about 35 minutes. Take note that if you are using a Travelcard, the palace is located in Zone 6. In winter, Hampton Court Palace is open from 10:00-16:30 and in summer from 10:00-18:00. Adult tickets are £14.00, under 16 tickets are £8.00, and children under 5 are admitted for free.
What is your favorite photo of Hampton Court Palace?
That is really cool! I’ve always been really into the Henry the 8th thing (I’m apparently not alone, there’s about a billion movies and books…most of which I’ve read/seen) and I would never have even thought about Hampton Court as a place to visit. I’m thinking about maybe planning a UK trip in about a year, so if I make it, this will be a place I want to go for sure!
Gabriele recently posted..Space
You would love it then! Even as someone who doesn’t know a lot about that period in time I found it very interesting, and I’d imagine that for a Henry VIII fan it would be amazing. And if you end up visiting, let me know
I’m such a history buff, especially when it comes to the Tudors and have always wanted to visit Hampton Court Palace. I’m ashamed of myself for not visiting all the cool sites of my homeland.
I love your pictures too.
Ceri recently posted..The 10 Most Interesting Reactions to the News That I’m Moving to Korea
I feel like most people put off the stuff closest to home. It’s fairly common. You’ll have to go visit when you are back from Korea!
Thank you for this Amanda! It was nice to see and to read. Hope you are enjoying your stay in England! All the best! Petra
Thanks Petra! I am enjoying England, it’s been lovely so far