Hampton Court, the residence of British royalty since the 16th century.  Watch as David Ingham and Annie Coburn, co-authors of Walk London, walk you through this magnificent palace just 12 miles outside of the center of London.

David explains the architecture, the history and why this is such an important part of English culture.

Hampton Court has two contrasting architectural styles: Perpendicular Gothic and Renaissance style. Giovannie da Maiano’s relief busts of Roman emperors were set in the Tudor brickwork.

After Cardinal Wolsey fell out of favor with Henry VIII, the king began an expansion of Hampton because he had a court that exceeded 1,000 people. He quadrupled the kitchens and demanded day/night construction on the Great Hall which has one of the most impressive carved hammer-beam roofs in existence.

In 1689, when French King Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles, royalty everywhere attempted to meet the standard of this opulent residence. Hampton Court was no exception. William and Mary commenced a huge building project. Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to redesign the palace – out with the Tudor and in with the Baroque.

The two King George’s (I and II) were the last royal sovereigns to reside at Hampton Court. Thanks to Queen Victoria, 1796, Henry VIII’s Great Hall was restored and the palace was opened to the public.

Info:    Open from March 28 – October 30

Time:  10:00 – 6:00 Monday – Sunday

Tickets:  About 15 GBP