When he died in 1547 Henry VIII had more than 60 houses, but – in the second half of his reign – none were more important to him, nor more sumptuously decorated, than
Hampton Court Palace.
By the time Henry finished his building works at Hampton Court Palace in
about 1540, the palace was one of the most modern, sophisticated and
magnificent in England.
There were tennis courts, bowling alleys and pleasure gardens for
recreation, a hunting park of more than 1,100 acres, kitchens covering
36,000 square feet, a fine chapel, a vast communal dining room (the
Great Hall) and a multiple garderobe (or lavatory) - known as the Great
House of Easement - which could sit 28 people at a time. Water flowed to
the palace from Coombe Hill in Kingston, three miles away, through lead
pipes.
All of Henry’s six wives came to the palace and most had new and lavish
lodgings. The King rebuilt his own rooms at least half a dozen times. Note the elaborately carved wood detail above.
The palace also provided accommodation for each of the King's children
and for a large number of courtiers, visitors and servants.
And he used Hampton Court to impress. Most famously in August 1546 Henry
feasted and fêted the French ambassador and his entourage of two
hundred gentlemen – as well as 1,300 members of his own court – for six
days. An encampment of gold and velvet tents surrounded the palace for
the occasion.
A year later, Henry was dead, with three surviving children – the 9-year
old Prince Edward and his older sisters Mary and Elizabeth. Each would
rule England, and Hampton Court would continue to play an important part
in the lives of the Tudor monarchs.
I visited the palace with Sarah and Lenny and had a great time there with them!
