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No other building in London is a testament to the family’s renown than the Hampton Court Palace. Located in the borough of Richmond upon the Thames.
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The Tudors are one of Britain’s most well-known (and infamous, depending on the case) royal families to date. Their rule was marked with opulence, intrigue, and abundance, making it one of the most interesting periods in British history. No other building in London is a testament to the family’s renown than the Hampton Court Palace. Located in the borough of Richmond upon the Thames, the palace has been one of London’s biggest tourist attractions in recent years. Before deciding to head there, just book a stay at any of the hotels in Kensington London England and check out a few things that you need to learn about the place.
History The site where the Hampton Court Palace stands at present was once the property of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. In 1514, Tudor King Henry VIII had his chief minister, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, take over the site. Wolsey began building a castle in no time. He believed the castle would be the grandest structure in the entire country. He would then transfer ownership to Henry, who would continue to expand the place. The Hampton would see through the entire Tudor era. It continued to remain important even through the Stuart era. Other monarchs would add to the place to fit their personal tastes and beliefs. You can also read:Touring London’s Palaces with the Royal Palace Pass
Other Historical Facts The Hampton Court Palace is witness to a lot of historical events. For starters, the palace was the official residence of Henry VII. To that extent, it was also the frequent site of his more infamous tales of parties, weddings, and secret affairs. On the flip side, it was at the palace where King James himself would commission the King James Bible. That commissioning transpired right after the more religious king met with the influential Puritan faction.
Points of Interest The Hampton Court Palace is a compound that boasts of a number of notable spots. Henry VIII’s Palace serves as your starting point. This structure was the official residence of the Tudor king. Everything here is preserved in a careful manner. It matches what it would look like in Henry’s lifetime, and an audio guide informs tourists of how the king spent his days. Next is the Hampton Court Gardens that spans over 750 acres. The gardens are home to various oranges and grape varieties. Hampton Court Gardens is the oldest surviving shrub maze in the entire country. Other important rooms include Mary II and William III’s apartments, the Great Hall, the Tudor Kitchens, Wolsey’s Closet Room, and the Cumberland Art Gallery. The Hampton Court Palace is also home to the Royal Tennis Courts, which have been hosting major tennis matches for 500 years now.
Getting There There are many ways to get to the Hampton Court Palace. You can take the train at the Waterloo Station which is just a short drivefrom Kensington Gardens hotel. It will take you to the Hampton Court Station within 30 minutes. If you have an Oyster Card, you might avail of some discounts and other perks. The court is also accessed by cab, car, bus, and even boat. It is open to the public in summer and winter from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.