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Explore The Majestic Tudor's Palace | Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII's former abode, is a Tudor masterpiece brimming with history. Its opulent State Rooms, sprawling gardens, and iconic maze offer a glimpse into royal life. Explore its grand kitchens, the largest surviving from the...
Founded On
1514
Founded By
Sir Christopher Wren
Quick information
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
VISITORS PER YEAR
600000
TICKETS
From £ 27.20
NUMBER OF ENTRANCES
2
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
1-2 hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
This place is where the drama of Henry VIII's six wives unfolded. Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were both arrested here – and Jane Seymour sadly passed away, giving birth to the future King Edward VI.
Shakespeare and his crew performed Hamlet and Macbeth for King James I right here in 1603.
Hampton Court Palace holds the unique distinction of being the birthplace of the Church of England. This occurred when Henry VIII bravely broke from the Roman Catholic church after the Pope declined to annul his marriage with Catherine of Aragon, enabling him to marry Anne Boleyn.
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Quick facts about Hampton Court Palace
- Official name: Hampton Court Palace
- Address: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom
- Date of opening: 1838
- Timings: 10am to 5:30pm
- Architect: Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Sir Christopher Wren, and William Talman
- Architectural style: Mix of Tudor, Baroque and Renaissance
- Number of visitors per year: Around 600,000
- Function: Historic Royal Palace
Plan your visit to Hampton Court Palace
Timings
Location
Opening hours: 10am to 5:30pm on most days
Closed on: Most Mondays and Tuesdays, September 2-3, September 22, October 31, 2024
Best time to visit: For a quieter visit, plan your trip to the Palace on weekdays, especially in the early mornings, mainly before 10 am and midday.
Address: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom
Hampton Court Palace is located in Richmond upon Thames, about 19 km southwest of central London, near the banks of the River Thames.
Closest landmark: Bushy Park (1.1 km)
Things to see at Hampton Court Palace
The Great Hall
The Great Hall, built during Henry VIII's reign, is the showstopper of the Tudor palace. Its hammer-beam roof, initials on a wooden panel of King Henry and Anne Boleyn, and Abraham Tapestries on the walls showcase Henry VIII's power—it's a must-see!
The Chapel Royal
The Chapel Royal's vaulted ceiling, added by Henry VIII in 1530, screams Tudor grandeur. Queen Anne later had Sir Christopher Wren remodel the chapel in 1710. Don't miss the Royal Pew—it even has a spot-on replica of Henry VIII's crown.
Haunted Gallery
This was Henry VIII's Sunday stroll from his apartments to the Royal Chapel—talk about walking in royal footsteps! Today, it's flanked by portraits of Tudor monarchs, and you'll also encounter the Haunted Gallery, a spooky highlight in the State Apartments.
The Great Watching Chamber
The Great Watching Chamber, located right after the Great Hall, was like a command center. The Yeoman of the Guard kept watch here, deciding who could enter the Palace's central area—only those with high status were allowed in.
Henry VIII Kitchen
At their peak, Henry VIII's kitchens at Hampton Court Palace were the biggest in England, staffed by over 200 cooks and helpers. They churned out 800 meals daily for the entire royal household and kept going strong for over 200 years, feeding the monarchy long after Henry's time.
Cumberland Art Gallery
From the 1500s to the 1730s, Hampton Court Palace was alive with art collectors. Head to the Cumberland Art Gallery to see their collections featuring works by Van Dyck, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and many others. These masterpieces were originally just for royal enjoyment, but now you can check them out, too!
William III Apartments
The Grand Staircase leads you straight to William III's State Apartments, where Antonio Verrio's grand murals of 'Victory of Alexander over the Caesars' are the star attraction. The guard chamber here is lined with weapons, and Yeomen of the Guard once ensured everyone was appropriately dressed.
Mantegna Gallery
The Mantegna Gallery is a must-see at the Palace. It features the stunning 'Triumphs of Caesar' series. These nine massive Renaissance paintings depict Julius Caesar riding back from his military victories in a grand chariot—such a visual feast!
Who built Hampton Court Palace
Cardinal Wolsey's Tudor Dream (1514-1529)
Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII's grand architect, kicked off Hampton Court Palace with a vision of luxury. His additions—kitchens, courtyards, and gardens—set the stage for future royal excess. His elaborate plans were meant to impress the European elite!
Henry VIII's Royal Makeover (1529-1547)
After Wolsey's fall, Henry VIII seized Hampton Court and went on a building spree. He expanded, altered, and reimagined the Palace, masking Wolsey's original design with his own lavish touch by developing the Great Hall, adding Royal Chapel and commissioning several tapestries. Archaeologists are still piecing together Henry's dramatic changes!
Wren's Baroque Masterpiece (1689-1702)
Enter Sir Christopher Wren, the genius behind the Baroque makeover. Tasked by William III and Mary II, Wren redesigned the Palace to rival Versailles. His bold, sweeping changes left a lasting mark, blending Tudor and Baroque styles in a breathtaking fusion.
William Talman's Architectural Flair (1689-1702)
William Talman, Wren's right-hand man, managed the Baroque reconstruction of Hampton Court. His work, along with Wren's designs, transformed the Tudor palace into a grand spectacle. Imagine a royal renovation project with a touch of 17th-century flair!
Architecture of Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace, built in 1514, showcases a blend of Tudor and Baroque styles. Cardinal Wolsey started with intricate brickwork, oriel windows, and complex rooflines. Henry VIII expanded it, while Sir Christopher Wren's late 17th-century renovations introduced dramatic Baroque elements like symmetrical facades and grand spaces, contrasting beautifully with the Tudor origins. This fusion of Tudor and Baroque styles showcases the Palace's evolution through royal tastes and architectural advancements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hampton Court Palace
Does the British royal family live at Hampton Court Palace?
No, the British royal family does not live at Hampton Court Palace today. It is maintained as a public museum and historical site, open to the public for exploration and tours.
Did Queen Elizabeth I ever stay at Hampton Court Palace?
Yes, Queen Elizabeth I used Hampton Court Palace frequently during her reign, hosting essential events and using it as a royal residence.
Was Anne Boleyn a resident of Hampton Court Palace?
Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, stayed at Hampton Court Palace during her marriage. The Palace was central to many significant events in her life.
Are there any descendants of the Tudors alive today?
There are no direct descendants of the Tudor monarchs alive today, as the dynasty ended with Elizabeth I's death in 1603.
What are the most famous rooms inside Hampton Court Palace?
The most famous rooms include the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal, and the State Apartments, all showcasing Tudor and Baroque grandeur.
Did any significant historical events take place at Hampton Court Palace?
Many key events, including the annulment of Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon, were negotiated at Hampton Court Palace.
Are there any ghost stories associated with Hampton Court Palace?
Yes, Hampton Court Palace is reputedly haunted, with stories of sightings of Queen Catherine Howard and other spirits in its halls.
Can you visit Hampton Court Palace all year round?
Yes, Hampton Court Palace is open to visitors throughout the year, with seasonal events and tours highlighting different aspects of its history.
What kind of events are held at Hampton Court Palace?
Hampton Court Palace hosts various events, including historical reenactments, seasonal festivals, and the famous Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.
Is there a particular dress code for visiting Hampton Court Palace?
No specific dress code is required, but comfortable footwear is recommended due to the large area and historical flooring.
