Hampton Court - the most beautiful palace in England, which is located in the bend of the Thames, in western London. Its interior is truly chic, especially the Great Hall of King Henry VIII. This medieval palace interior is decorated with old elegant tapestries, commissioned by the monarch himself. The Royal Chapel is also located here, where services are still held.
Historical basis
Hampton Court was finally built and decorated until 1733, but the idea of creation originated in 1514. The Richmond upon Thames area on the left bank of the Thames, sixteen kilometers from central London, was chosen as the location . In 1529, the palace was transferred as a gift to Henry VIII.
In the 17th century, the architect Christopher Wren completed the Baroque palace and park ensemble, as William III wanted to make English Versailles out of the castle. Until 1760, Hampton Court managed to serve as a royal residence. Here are paintings by great painters such as Rafael Santi, Andrea Mantegna and Brueghel the Elder. Currently, this palace and park ensemble is part of the historical royal palaces management fund.
Ghost stories
There are many different, both old and new stories about ghosts that live in the halls of the palace. Hampton Court even has a special book, which contains information about all sorts of strange incidents.
The British themselves are sure that ghosts live in every English castle , that is, the souls of the owners who passed away. Just the most mysterious place you can confidently call Hampton Court Castle. The residence of the royal family still keeps a memory of the sinister past.
It all started back in 1525, when Henry VIII decided to divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon. The reason was that the queen gave birth not to a son, as the king wanted, but to a daughter. Henry asked the Pope for permission to divorce, but was refused. A little later, the king became the head of the English church, divorced from Aragon and married Anna Boleyn.
And the story repeated itself: a young girl gave birth to a king a daughter. Henry very cruelly treated his wife: executed, accusing him of witchcraft and adultery. The third wife was Jane Seymour, thanks to whom the king finally had a son. The woman herself died due to complicated births. Oddly enough, the fourth bride, Catherine Howard, was also executed after two years of marriage to Henry.
It is easy to guess that the ghosts of Hampton Court Castle are the king and his wives. On October 16, 1970, castle servants allegedly saw Jane Seymour. She was described as a beautiful woman in white clothes with a candle in her hands and a soft smile on her face. According to eyewitnesses, all ghosts suddenly appeared and disappeared just as suddenly. Catherine Howard was seen running toward the chapel in terrifying despair.
The ghost of Henry can be called the most terrible of all. Rumor has it that he appears only at night and only during a thunderstorm. Witnesses say that when lightning illuminated the hall, they saw the figure of a man shackled in armor and with a crown on his head. His gaze was full of anger, and from the ghost itself it did not blow in the cold, but in the heat. The royal castle boasts such mysterious stories.
Paradise for tourists
To plunge into the past of England, visitors to London just need to visit Hampton Court. This place is famous for its large garden, an area of 24 hectares. Lakes, highest fountains, Victorian canals with yews ... Everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.
A tourist who arrived in September has the opportunity to taste black grapes. The peculiarity and originality of these fruits is that they are collected from the oldest vines in the world. Back in 1768, she was planted by a man nicknamed Capable Brown, the royal gardener from Hampton Court Castle.
Labyrinth - a place that will cause intense interest in both adults and children. It is large enough: its width is 60 and its height is 1.80 m.
Location
Hampton Court (London) is located sixteen kilometers from the center of the capital, so you will get there in about half an hour. Well, now in more detail about the route. The palace itself is located in Surrey, East Molsay (Surrey, East Molesey). The metro station has the name of the castle itself. You can also use buses No. 111, 216, 461, 726.
You can also choose a train ride from London Waterloo Station . But the most interesting journey is on the river Thames on a ship. True, it will take more time. A visit to the palace begins at 10:00 and ends at 18:00.
Traveler Reviews
We consider it necessary to immediately note that not a single tourist has discovered any shortcomings at this greatest historical site. Both Londoners and visitors alike insist that a trip to Hampton Court Palace is a must! Everything is fine here: lawns with flower beds, gardens, parks, the interior of the palace, and, most importantly, prices for a visit.
In this place you are sure to get to some costume performance, which takes place right on the street. The palace staff will be happy to offer you a cloak from the time of Henry VIII, in which, while walking around the royal apartments, the visitor will fully experience the life of the 15th century. Having visited this castle, you will not only have an unforgettable time, but also learn a lot of useful and interesting information about the Renaissance.