Association of EuropeanRoyal Residences

Hampton Court Palace’s most famous royal resident was undoubtedly Henry VIII. Born in 1491, Henry was crowned king of England in 1509 at the age of 18 after his elder brother, Arthur, tragically died of consumption in 1502.

Henry had not received an extensive training in the ways of kingship, but despite these difficulties, he proved himself to be a charismatic young man of many accomplishments. He was energetic, being particularly keen on hunting and tennis; he also played musical instruments, danced, sang and took a strong interest in theology. In his twenties he was described as the handsomest prince in all Christendom, and prided himself on having better legs than the king of France. Unfortunately, this youthful image was to become irreconcilable with the corpulent tyrant he was to become.

Continue reading The personage From Dandy to Tyrant – the chequered reign of Henry VIII

At first a monastic farm and later a cardinal’s palace, Hampton Court did not officially become a royal residence until 1528 when King Henry VIII took the palace from his chief minister Cardinal Wolsey. Wolsey’s palace was built in a Renaissance style of such opulence that it rivalled anything owned by the King.

When King Henry assumed control he wanted to make his mark and so began a series of extensive building programmes, which were not completed until about 1540. He enlarged the buildings, rebuilding the hall adding an extra gallery, a library and a range of kitchens, a bowling alley and an indoor tennis court. He also had the palace surrounded with beautiful pleasure gardens and a well-stocked hunting park. He even installed a multiple garderobe (lavatory), which became known as the Great House of Easement and had the capacity to be used by 28 people at a time!

Continue reading The palace From Cardinal’s Palace to Royal Residence