Hampton Court Palace - Hampton Court Gardens and Park - The Hamptons - The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin

The palace is essentially divided up into Henry VIII’s State Apartments, King George II’s Georgian Rooms, the Tudor Kitchens, and the King’s Apartments. As you can imagine, these sections are certainly not small, and it would be very easy to get lost in them if there were not directions or tour guides available. My personal favorite are the State Apartments, which you will find underneath Anne Boleyn’s Gateway. An elaborate vision of pomp and circumstance, some of Henry VIII’s most important events and schemes were conducted right here.

The Tudor Kitchens offer a more sober side to the palace, located as it is away from the majesty of the other rooms. The kitchens, in Henry VIII’s time, were always busy because 1,000 meals had to be served every day. The ravishing splendour of the Georgian Rooms will allow you a glimpse of what life was like inside a Georgian court. The Queen’s Private Apartments are located here, as well as the Cartoon Gallery, designed by Christopher Wren. The Cumberland Suite is distinguished by a classic alcove, which compliments the bed beautifully. There are still so many rooms to see - the King’s Great Bedchmner and his Eating Room, the stunning staircase, and the Clock Court colonnade. If you fix an image in your mind of a palace made in heaven, intensify that image by two and you will get a true perspective of the grandeur of Hampton Court Palace. For information call 0870 752 7777. Check out www.hrp.org.uk/ for more information.
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Hampton Court Gardens and Park
Hampton Court Road, Hampton Court, KT8. (Map Ref 2.)
Just as profound as the palace, the Hampton Court Gardens spread over 60 idealised acres, and possess some of the most phenomenal landscape gardens in the world. However, the glory does not end there. The Banqueting House contains some hugely impressive Italian paintings, the Privy Gardens are adorned with classical statues and box hedges, and the original Real Tennis Courts were built here.

The Hampton Court Maze is one of the most popular attractions though, and was originally laid out by King Henry VIII for jousting tournaments. In 1714 it was transformed and, I can tell you, many people have become very lost within its confines. I spent about 45 minutes trying to find a way out. This labyrinthine structure was fashionable amongst the nobility in the early part of the 18th century.

The landscape gardens will make you want to build a temple to the great Roman gods. The small but divine canal, The Long Water, runs through the gardens, whilst the Fountain Gardens are privileged enough to contain several statues, presumably goddesses, as well as hedges and flowers so classically laid out they will probably blind you if you look at them too long. The Lower Orangery, built for Queen Mary II’s botanic tastes, are also a popular feature of the Gardens.

Once you leave the gardens you will walk out into an expanse of woodland and space. The Hampton Court Park is a wonderful area to stroll in and observe the Thames river. The North and South Canal and, for those of you who enjoy your golf in picturesque surroundings, the Home Park Golf Course, are especially prominent. Essentially, if you are in Hampton Court, it is imperative that you visit the Gardens. The art of landscape gardening will take on a new meaning and the glamour of classical Tudor innovation should allow you the luxury of basking in its radiant proximity. For more information call 0870 752 7777 .
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The Hamptons
Hampton Court Road, Hampton Court, KT8. (Map Ref 3.)
As soon as you have left the Hampton Court Palace and Gardens, you have by no means seen everything in the Hampton Court area. Along the ever expanding Hampton Court Road are some beautiful old townhouses/large cottages once frequented by many famous English historical figures. One of this nation’s most important architects, Sir Christopher Wren, who contributed so much to the surrounding palatial splendour, lived in the Paper House, which has intricate vines and creepers covering its facade.

On the other side of Hampton Court Green, a bare patch of grass separating both sides of the Hampton Court Road, is Hampton Court House, an elaborate 18th century masterpiece built by another famous English architect, Thomas Wright. Indeed, a picture gallery was added before it was later used as a concert hall. In the 1970s the building was transformed again and accommodated, on this occasion, the Hampton Court Theatre. However, that was closed only three years ago.

At the other end of the Hampton Court Road, as you walk into the village of Hampton, is another landmark of 18th century opulence, namely the Shakespearean actor David Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare. The temple is by no means grand but this Ionic structure, found right on the banks of the Thames, has some rather enigmatic pillars and a very imposing domed roof. Unfortunately, surrounding graffiti ruins its effect and leaves you somewhat deflated. Across the other side of the road is Garrick’s Villa, with his blue name plaque on it. It is under severe renovation at the moment, but the arches and pillars on the building’s facade, designed by another famous British architect, Robert Adam, shine through the mess of scaffolding.

If you have not walked far enough already, through the palace, the gardens and the park, you might want to trundle down this road, observing some of the houses and monuments of the more lucrative British luminaries of the 18th century.
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The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin
Thames Street, Hampton, TW12 (Map Ref 4.)
One of the oldest and most prestigious churches in England, The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin has stood steadfastly in Hampton village since 1342 when it was founded by a group of monks making their way down to Hampton from Takeley Priory.

This grey, austere church is covered with symbols announcing its affinity with the Sovereign crown. The crown surmounting the tower flagstaff establishes the connection with royalty. Indeed, the Sovereign has held the church manor ever since 1544, and it is they who present the vicar of Hampton every time he comes into office. As a result, the church’s congregation has often included royal personages.

The tombs and the St. Luke’s Chapel are a delight to behold, and the church’s location on the river affords a refreshing atmosphere away from the cobwebs of the church. In 1831, the present church, which is not as old as it may seem, replaced a smaller medieval building holding a grammar school and a rather more ancient church.

St. Mary’s is very fond of pointing out that they have served God and his people ever since the 14th Century, but I will wager that in its time the neighbouring Bell Inn has been visited by some of those so-called holy men. If you love churches and even more royal history I would suggest you come to St. Mary’s, which is one of the grandest of the lot.
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