Hampton Court Palace

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Hampton Court Palace is a royal palace located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Greater London, England. The palace is situated on the banks of the River Thames, approximately 12 miles southwest of central London. It is one of only two surviving palaces out of the many owned by King Henry VIII.

History

Hampton Court Palace was originally built for Thomas Wolsey, a favorite of King Henry VIII, in 1515. When Wolsey fell from favor, the palace was seized by the king, who enlarged it. The palace became one of Henry's most favored residences.

During the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II, the palace was expanded and renovated by the architect Sir Christopher Wren. The renovations were intended to rival the Palace of Versailles in France. However, the work was never completed, and the palace remains a mixture of Tudor and Baroque architecture.

Architecture

The palace is renowned for its distinctive architectural styles. The Tudor section includes the Great Hall, the Great Watching Chamber, and the Chapel Royal. The Baroque section, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, includes the Fountain Court and the King's Apartments.

Tudor Architecture

The Tudor part of the palace is characterized by its red brick construction, large windows, and ornate chimneys. The Great Hall, with its hammer-beam roof, is one of the finest examples of Tudor architecture in England.

Baroque Architecture

The Baroque section features grand staircases, elaborate ceilings, and extensive use of marble. The Fountain Court is a prime example of Wren's work, showcasing symmetry and classical proportions.

Gardens

Hampton Court Palace is also famous for its extensive gardens, which include the Hampton Court Maze, the Great Vine, and the Privy Garden. The gardens cover 60 acres and are a popular attraction for visitors.

Hampton Court Maze

The maze, planted in the late 17th century, is one of the oldest surviving hedge mazes in the world. It covers a third of an acre and consists of half a mile of paths.

The Great Vine

The Great Vine, planted in 1768 by the celebrated gardener Lancelot "Capability" Brown, is the largest grapevine in the world. It still produces a substantial crop of grapes each year.

Notable Events

Hampton Court Palace has been the site of many significant historical events. It was here that Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon was annulled, and where he married Catherine Parr. The palace also hosted the Hampton Court Conference in 1604, which led to the commissioning of the King James Bible.

Related Pages

• King Henry VIII
• Thomas Wolsey
• Sir Christopher Wren
• London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
• River Thames
• Palace of Versailles
• King William III
• Queen Mary II
• Hampton Court Maze
• Lancelot "Capability" Brown