A gentle boat ride on the Thames to Hampton Court Palace (and return) today. Set in 750 acres of parkland. Home to King Henry VIII, some of his wives and other royals over a few centuries. Actually two palaces in one -the Tudor Palace of King Henry and the later addition of the Baroque Palace of William III (William of Orange) and Mary II. William and Mary commissioned Christopher Wren to renovate the whole place in the baroque style however as money was tight it was never completed.
Fascinating to wander the huge kitchens, Great Watching Chamber and Great Hall, the beautiful Chapel Royal (no pictures allowed here as it is still a place of worship) and over 60 acres of palace gardens right alongside the Thames.
There is a “Secret of the Royal Bedchamber” exhibition at present – in the Stuart and Hanovarian courts, the real corridor of power was the one the led to the monarch’s bedchamber! Political deals were brokered and matches made here until the more democratic parliament came about. Some impressive beds on display.
Beautiful water features and trees surround the palace.
There were a number of people in period costume and demonstrations/re-enactments which added to the atmosphere.
The Privy Garden is stunning and Micah loved the fountain where Paddington Bear accidentally fed the fish his marmalade sandwich when he visited the palace. Paddington also used his marmalade sandwich to find his way out of The Maze – started in 1690, it is a winding path of yew trees. Micah had Daddy and Poppa to help him find his way in the maze.
The world’s largest and oldest grapevine is at Hampton Court – still producing grapes sold at the garden shop. (Guinness Book of Records) The Vine was planted by ‘Capability’ Brown in 1768.
I loved the palace chimneys- a large number stylishly decorated – the palace accommodations were well heated.
Comments
Comment by Mary Grover on 2013-10-06 18:31:58 -0700
Hi Gill & Mark
Certainly sounds like you are seeing it all and having a fabulous time.
Love
Mary
