History Features

Hampton Court Credit: Newsteam/HRP

by Laura MacDonald

Henry VIII enjoyed visiting Hampton Court Palace in Surrey and spent around £18 million in today’s money to renovate and expand its facilities. He and the members of his court enjoyed facilities such as tennis courts, bowling alleys and what was known as the Great House of Easement – a loo that could seat 28 people at a time.

As one of the palaces most closely associated with Henry, Hampton Court will be marking the 500th anniversary of his succession to the throne in grand style.

One of the palace courtyard’s will be transformed into a Tudor garden using only plants that would have been available in 16th century England. As well as traditional topiaries and herbs, the garden will also have the red rose of Lancaster and white rose of York planted side by side.

The two flowers – which were the official blooms of Henry’s parents’ respective families - make up the famous Tudor rose.

Credit: Newsteam/HRP

Reviving history

Using modern technology, the Palace is also offering people the chance to view a tapestry which was commissioned by Henry VIII after the birth of his only legitimate son, Prince Edward, in 1537.

The ‘virtually restored’ treasure will be on show from April 10 until January 2010.

Visitors will also be able to catch a range of other events, including cookery demonstrations, jousts, a music festival and a public lecture series featuring speakers such as historian David Starkey and novelist Philippa Gregory.

The palace is hosting many other special events to mark the 500th anniversary of the coronation and help people explore Henry VIII’s tumultuous reign.

Katherine of Aragon Credit: Philip Mould

Henry’s Women

Henry’s relationships with women are the stuff of legend and between April 10 and August 3, visitors to the Palace will get to examine portraits and historical artefacts relating to all six of his wives and his two powerful daughters.

Among the items on display in the King’s Council Chamber – which has never before been open to the public – will be a lock of blonde hair from his final wife Kateryn [sic] Parr and the document which annulled his marriage to wife number four, Anne of Cleves.

While she would later be divorced by the King and he would die in disgrace, both Katherine and Wolsey were influential figures in Tudor England. She helped defend England from the invading Scots while Henry was away fighting in France while Wolsey busily organised the logistics of the French campaign. 

The exhibition in the Wolsey rooms includes paintings from the Royal Collection and hands-on displays.

You are cordially invited…

In 1543, 52 year-old Henry married 31 year old Kateryn Parr, a maid-in-waiting to his oldest child Princess Mary. The union would last for around three and a half years, his second longest marriage.

The wedding took place in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace and every day, visitors will be able to take part in traditional Tudor wedding celebrations at the palace.

The king and queen will be on hand to interact with their guests and will be leading walks around the palace.

Many other celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the throne are taking place this year. Click below for more details.