Hampton Palace, East Molesey, England

The construction of Hampton Court Palace began in 1514 during the reign of King Henry VIII.  It is located about 12 miles from London.

Hampton Court Palace: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU

Originally, the palace was intended as a residence for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, the Archbishop of York and Lord Chancellor of England. However, Wolsey fell out of favor with Henry VIII, who then took possession of the palace and expanded it to become one of his principal royal residences.

The palace is renowned for its architectural styles, blending Tudor and Baroque influences.

Panoramic view

Inside the Base Court – panoramic view

Looking back at the entrance to the Base Court

Upstairs to Henry VIII’s apartments

A portrait of Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn.  “The Other Boleyn Girl” is a fascinating movie about Anne Boleyn.

A portrait of Henry VIII’s first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

A dining hall

Looking back

A room behind the dining hall

Many large rooms like this in the apartments

The back garden through a window

The bedroom

To downstairs

The Fountain Court

Back of the palace is the rear garden.  A panoramic view of the garden

Looking back

Back to the Garden Court

To upstairs to the rest of Henry VIII’s apartments

Came downstairs again to Clock Court

Looking at the Base Court through the entrance

Upstairs to William III’s Apartments

The decorations are made out of guns and weapons

King’s Throne Room

The next room with another throne

Looking at the side garden

Another room with a throne

William’s Bedroom

To downstairs

More offices and a dining room

Back to the courtyard

The side garden

The side of the palace

Turned around

Walked to the Base Court and into Henry VIII’s Kitchen

A narrow passage to the kitchen

The kitchen

An adjacent room

Walking back to the Base Court

Leaving the palace

One last look

The palace is about 10 minute’s walk from the train station across this bridge