Hampton Court Palace

By, Erin Zito

Hampton Court Visit: 5/26/2013



Walking up to Hampton Court Palace

We started off our day at the beautifully constructed Hampton Court Palace, which began to be built around the year 1514.  This is a site of interest for many tourists, as well as locals, for it was a favorite of Henry VIII and the rest of the Tudor monarchy, although it was originally built for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.  Today, Hampton Court is separated into the exhibits of Mantegna’s Triumphs of Caesar, Henry VIII’s apartments and kitchens, William III’s apartments, Mary II’s apartments, Georgian private apartments, and the story of a young Henry VIII.  Its rich history and grandeur architecture show off the power, authority, and all over influence of monarchies.

  

Portrait of Henry VIII in his "apartment"

Hampton Court Palace conveys many different architectural styles stemming from the different time periods in which it was built.  When touring, you can see Tudor, Baroque, as well as many other influences throughout the Palace.



Base Court entrance

The Great Hall in Henry VIII"s apartment

As you enter the Base Court, your eyes are struck with the beautiful architecture and infrastructure of Hampton Court. One of the main displays in Hampton Court during our visit was the Royal Bedchambers.  The Royal Bedchambers are the best example of the theme of our class, that being “Power and Authority”.  These bedchambers were separate and unique for the king and the queen where their guests could gossip, mingle, and wait to be called into the bedchamber for separate time with the monarchs.

Entrance to the Royal Bedchambers exhibit

One of the most interesting things of the exhibit is the emphasis on a lock and key.  Who ever held the key to the bedchambers was the most powerful.  It’s hard for many today to imagine how just a simple lock and key were so important back then, as well as just how a couple of minutes that you could get to gossip or mingle with a king or queen definitely showed off your power as well.  



You can read more about the exhibit on the Hampton Court Website if you click HERE

The Pond Garden

One of the most beautiful parts (at least to us!) of the Palace are the Botanical Gardens.  There are 60 acres of these magnificently structured gardens are right along the River Thames and the Palace.  There are a plethora of unique flowers, roses, trees, and vines blowing in the wind, pushing the smells of these gardens around for all to experience.  The Privy Gardens were beautifully restored, and the Maze is a great sight to see, if you don’t get lost!  At the very least, you can visit the world’s largest and oldest grape vine that is over 230 years old! 

Back of the Palace near the Botanical Gardens

In the gardens, you can also see the Great Fountain Garden, The Tiltyard, The Wildnerness, The Knot Garden, and Home Park, all with a different experience and sight to see.  These gardens show off the luxurious lifestyle the people who lived here were accustomed too.  With that, they also show the history unfolding in front of your eyes with differing time periods influencing the gardens' structure. 

Learn more about the Botanical Gardens and click HERE!

The River Thames flowing near Hampton Court