We had a nice and early start to the day today! We took da tube, switched, and then took a train out to Molesey. Molesey is located roughly 12 miles out of London, along the River Thames. The air was fresh, crisp, and a wee chilly. Just how I like it! We were then off on our adventure into the palace with our headsets.
When walking down the halls of Hampton Court Palace, you cannot help but feel tiny. Regardless of the different blends of architecture, the rooms and spaces are massive in size and often do not hold a lot of items. The headset guide explains that the spaces are kept similar to that of the palace when occupied by different royals. This was because parties were often thrown and they would need all the space they could get. These rooms would be stuffed full of moving bodies, which would be sweaty and smelly. Hm. Fun.
Regarding architecture, the reason why there is such vast differences is because the palace was not built all at once. The original Tutor palace was first began around the 1500s by Cardinal Wolsey. Tutor architecture often consists of steep gable roofs, massive and rectangular windows, and carved detailing on panel walls. He wanted to be able to host King Henry VIII and other important members of society. That most definitely would have included us common folk too, right? HA. The Great Hall, an absolute massive room, was used as a theatre…and prison. In this space, Kings Men by Shakespeare was performed. This space was added by Henry VIII himself and was the last addition during his time.
Moving along to the late-1600s, William III and Mary II wanted a space of their own. There were talks of tearing down the tutor palace and rebuilding an entirely new palace in place, but instead Christopher Wren created Fountain Court, a baroque style court for the two. Baroque architecture is grand and theatrical. Baroque architecture is created in a circular or round nature; to evoke feelings of heavenly elation. Believe me when I say when I stepped into the different rooms that had baroque paintings I felt heavenly elation. It was incredible!
If you have been reading along from the beginning, you would know that I love flowers and gardens. I also love giant paintings. So, imagine how happy I was when stepping foot into Hampton Court Palace!
There are multiple gardens located within the palace as well as outside the palace. My favorite had to be Privy Garden. If this space looks familiar to you and you are a Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story fan, parts of both shows were filmed at various locations at Hampton Court Palace, but specifically Privy Garden.
Thanks for reading my ramblings of my favorite stop thus far. We shall meet again.
Cheers!
Theatre in London U of A 