Forever associated with King Henry VIII and his six wives, Hampton Court was at the centre of our history for 200 years

The story of Henry VIII and his six wives — as told in the recent TV series — still fascinates us. That’s why a visit to Hampton Court is a must: it’s the real-life setting for all that intrigue and drama. The Palace’s riverside setting and tapestry-hung, panelled interior, housing one of the finest collections of Renaissance paintings in Europe, makes a great day out, even in winter. Hampton Court came to prominence under Thomas Wolsey, later to become the most powerful of the King’s men — both Cardinal and Lord Chancellor.

He turned Hampton Court into such a lavish, desirable residence that in 1528 Henry VIII took it over for himself (Wolsey was out of favour 34 Woman’s Weekly for failing to secure the King’s divorce and losing his house was one consequence of this). The King continued the transformation, spending the modern-day equivalent of £18 million on renovation. He lived here with his six successive wives. Years later, during the Civil War, Charles I was imprisoned at Hampton Court for three months before he escaped, in November 1647.

Then Oliver Cromwell moved in, though in a much more frugal style. With the restoration of the monarchy, Hampton Court became a royal residence once more and was remodelled by Sir Christopher Wren. The royal connection ended in 1737 after the death of George II’s wife, Caroline, when the royal family moved to Kensington Palace. Allow plenty of time for your visit: three hours is the recommended minimum to get the most out of it. Start with the introductory exhibition behind the colonnade in the Clock Court, then visit the vast Tudor kitchens that, at their height, fed up to 1,200 people a day. You’ll appreciate the roasting spits and roaring fire in winter. Then there’s Henry VIII’s State Apartments — with some of the most magnificent rooms in the palace, the Queen’s State apartments, King William III’s apartments, the Wolsey rooms, the Georgian Rooms and the collection of Renaissance paintings. Don’t miss the Real Tennis Court — tennis was popular with the Tudors, as was bowling. And, if the weather’s kind, walk through the formal gardens, lose yourself.

Posted: March 7th, 2009 under Hampton.
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