The first thing that might come to mind when you read “Hampton Court Palace” may be King Henry VIII and his unfortunate wives (of those six, Jane Seymour was the mother of the only surviving male heir, Edward VI ). The fodder for many enjoyable TV series, I had determined on my past April trip that I was going to revisit the Palace after many years…which is conveniently close to Petersham nurseries and their yummy culinary fare. What a pairing!
But first, a bit of historic notes and relevant factoids in which to create a context. Known for 500 years as “Henry’s Royal Pleasure Palace”, Hampton Court began in 1514 as a brick Tudor “country house”, commissioned for Cardinal Wolsey, Chief Minister for Henry VIII (that’s a hint that it wasn’t ordinary).
But during the William and Mary reign (1689-1702), a new Baroque Palace (designed by Sir Chrstopher Wren) grew out from and around the original Tudor structure (to be seen in the right corner, made with different brick).
Of course, in addition, new and grand gardens (60 acres worth!) were completed to include what is now referred to as the most important maze in the world. Here is a look through this garden lover’s eyes…
Given that Hampton Court has only 60 acres of gardens, this was just an overview sampling. But surely it has whetted your appetitie for a visit, sooner than later. You won’t be disappointed…
Those “builders”…back in 1500’s…HOW DID THEY “DO” THIS…My gosh it’s breathtaking!!! franki
Love the photo of the trimmed hedge with the lavender wisteria. I’m a city girl, wisteria?
Good article.
Astounding photos; “worth the wait”!
Beautiful gardens and photography! By the way, the Broadway musical SIX is about the 6 wives of Henry VIII.
LOVELY LADY,
ONCE AGAIN, YOUR GENEROSITY HAS FEED ONES SOUL.
THE COMBINATION OF: MASSIVE HUMAN EFFORT, JOINED BY NATURE’S ABUNDANT ‘GUIDANCE’ …
HAS PRODUCED: AS CLOSE AS CAN BE EXPERIENCED … ‘PERFECTION’.
AS USUAL, MANY THANKS.
TOM
What a gorgeous place! Thanks for the garden tour – I could wander through those 60 acres in real life – or in pictures – for hours!
Besides the beauty of the garden you captured so well, I was fascinated by the intricacy of the
unusual chimneys on the older part of the Brick “Tudor House”.
Thank you for this timely post! My husband and I have just booked a trip to London for June 2024. We have seen Hampton Court for a dinner we attened, but this will be our first day visit. I did not realized the Petersham nursery was so close by! My list of places to visit has started. Happy Thanksgiving!