Hampton Court Palace
This illustrious Tudor Palace is most commonly associated with Henry VIII and the turbulent goings on at his court.
The Palace was built in 1513 for Cardinal Wolsey, but was later taken up by Henry VIII who enlarged it making it fit for a king of his magnitude. Hampton Court is the largest and most magnificent Tudor building in Britain and would have been one of the most sophisticated Palaces in Europe at the time of Henry VIII. It was further improved with new wings by the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th Century from 1689–1694.
At the behest of William and Mary , it was made up of a blend of Tudor and Baroque architecture that you can see today. Many famous artists had been hired at the time to decorate the interiors of the rooms. Among them, illustrous architects like Sir John Vandenbrugh or William Kent. In 1760, when George III was reigning the country, Hampton Court Palace was left behind for different premises by the future generations of monarchs.
Inside the building copies of the famous Raphael Cartoons can be seen alongside with paintings of other artists like Jacopo Bassano or Daniel Myrtens as well as some flemish tapestries with biblical or antique motives and stories.
The Palace is steeped in history most notably surrounding Henry VIII and his many wives. You can walk around Henry VIII’s State Apartments and the Great Hall and Tudor Kitchens, but the highlight of a visit here, with good weather at least, are the splendid gardens, the most visited in the UK, which include a restoration of King William’s Privy Garden of 1702 and the world famous 300 year old maze. Also very impressive is the clock tower at Hampton court with its golden dial between the two towers and above the gateway to the inner courtyard.
This attraction is included in the Great British Heritage Pass.
