Hampton Court Palace
japra | Nov 26, 2007 | Comments 4
Well, it turned out that Roxi had too much homework for us to take a short trip. This actually worked out well, because my crew got some good sleep this weekend. However, we did feel like we should do something, so we settled on an outing to Hampton Court Palace on Saturday.
Some of the palace was under restoration. This was the cover over the scaffolding–King Henry VIII four stories high. Signs below read:
Hampton Court Palace is a sprawling sort of place, really different from any castle or palace we’ve seen yet. As I stood in front of the entrance, it hit me: this was Cardinal Wolsey home “given” to Henry VIII. Oh, if only the walls could talk. 
It is said that the palace is haunted by the ghosts of Jane Seymour and Catherine Howard, among others.
One of the statues flanking the bridge.
It was so cold on Saturday, maybe in the high 30s, low 40s. I felt really bad for our charming, costumed guide. It wasn’t much warmer inside the palace either, even with our coats and gloves. The only things heating the rooms were electric radiators and they were far and few between.
The palace is a clash of Tudor and Baroque architecture. Each part well executed, but it was weird to see such drastically different architecture in one structure.
It really was too cold to enjoy the gardens properly, but the trees were outrageous!
The shrubberies were awesome too.
And of course, we had to try the famous hedge maze. It was planted in the late 1600s for King William III (as in William and Mary) and covers a third of an acre with a half-mile of paths.
It was pretty neat. There were bells chiming here and there, which added a certain level of stress. Roxi liked it and didn’t seem to mind the cold. I, on the other hand, wanted out quick so I could find somewhere warm!
Filed Under: Blog • Castles • What to Do
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
Out of everywhere you’ve taken us, I think this is my favorite place you’ve visited yet. I’m not sure why. I think I have a thing for Henry VIII and all his poor wives. Those trees are amazing.
Laurie–Henry VIII is interesting. Living here makes me want to learn more about British History. Good thing I get to study it with Roxi!
I remember going through that maze. It is a-mazing! And yes, the place left one thinking ruefully of all the truncated lives (sorry, visual ick!). But it is a creepy place, although the rooms and grounds are stupendous. Mimsy
Mimsy–I really want to go back. I had just visited Winsor Castle the week before and compared to that, Hampton Court was very modest. But I think it had a lot of atmosphere, for sure!