Hampton Court Palace is mostly assocaited with Henry VIII; however, he was not the first owner of this magnificent estate. Buried beneath the palace is the first known house that was built for the Knights Hospitallers of St John before 1338.
Cardinal Thomas Wosley, personal advisor to Henry VIII, acquired Hampton Court in 1514. Wosley turned the manor house into a palace wherein he entertained his King and foreign dignitaries.
After many additions to the palace, Wosley was removed after he failed to annul Henry VIII's marriage to Queen Katherine of Aragon because she could not give him a son.
Henry VIII was a charismatic, athletic and handsome brute who was married six times. The palace underwent many transformations after Henry VIII's acquisition's of this magnificent structure. Royal tennis court, bowling alleys, a great hall, multiple kitchens (covers 36,000 sq ft) and a private chamber were added shortly thereafter.
One of many tapestries that can be found around the palace. Not only were tapestries a sign of wealth but also served as a sound and noise barrier. Henry VIII collected over 2,000 tapestries.
The famous Tudor chimneys were designed by Wosley.
Ceiling of the Queen's (Queen Caroline) Staircase
Marble Fireplace
Hammer beam ceiling of the Great Hall. Can you spot the Eavesdroppers?
The Baroque addition to the palace.
Privy Gardens: just one of the many gardens situated on the palace grounds.
Gardens cover 750 acres and are tended by a team of 38 gardeners and specialists. 200,000 flowering bulbs are planted throughout the formal gardens each year. There are about 8,000 trees in gardens and estate.
Ceiling and stained glass detail of the Great Watching Chamber. This room was the first of the King's apartments where members of the Yeomen of the Guard were stationed to 'watch' and control access. Can you see Cardinal Wosley?
The Great Fountain Garden
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| (ALL Images by MGR) |
Here I am having a little fun........
I truly enjoyed visiting Hampton Court. Such a magnificent structure.
Next time you're in London, include this place on your must see list. You'll be glad you did.
Marilyn