|
Official Website: www.hrp.org.uk,
Open: 25 Mar-27 Oct, 2007, Mon-Sun 10am-6pm, Last admission 5pm, 28 Oct 2007-28 Feb 2008,
Mon-Sun 10am-4:30pm, Last admission 3:30pm, Ticket
Information and Secure Online Booking
Situated south-west of greater London, Hampton Court can be reached directly by rail from Waterloo
station (journey time is approximately 40 minutes by Southwest Trains).
The splendid palace and gardens of Hampton Court were originally built for
Cardinal Thomas Wolsey during the early 16th century. Wolsey, who was Lord Chancellor during the
reign of Henry VIII, exercised huge power in England at this time. Indeed, the size and grandeur of
the palace certainly attest to his wealth and influence. With 280 rooms to accommodate guests (who
regularly visited from all over Europe), the surrounding countryside also offered Wolsey a pleasant
alternative to the hustle and bustle of London.
However, when Wolsey fell from grace, his property was swiftly confiscated by
the King who made a number of alterations to the palace. These included the construction of
additional courtyards, along with state rooms such as the Great Hall (and, of course, the
astronomical clock built into the main gate). The gardens were also enlarged and extended towards
the River Thames, just a few hundred metres away from the palace.
After Henry VIII's death, the palace remained a popular retreat for successive
monarchs, each of whom made subtle alterations to its original design. However, for the most part
the palace buildings remained unchanged, with only the interiors updated to reflect individual
tastes. Of particular note are the superb baroque style King's apartments (King William III
apartments) and the Queen's apartments. The original state apartments created by Henry VIII are
equally impressive, and certainly in tune with the grandeur and pomp surrounding his
court.
The gardens, however, were frequently re-planned to keep up with continental
styles. Also within the garden is the oldest surviving indoor real tennis court in the world and
Hampton Court's famous maze. The renowned English gardener "Capability" Brown - who was responsible
for setting out the grounds much as they look today - also famously planted the great vine in
1769.
The palace was first opened to the public at certain times of the week by
Queen Victoria in 1838 and eventually its upkeep passed completely to the State. A serious fire in
1986 caused major damage to one wing of the palace, although six years of painstaking restoration
(completed in 1992) have ensured that visitors can now fully experience the delights of one of
Britain's finest architectural monuments. Recommended.
Back to Top
|
