Hampton Court

The Hamptons

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 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.

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 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.

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 impressive British luminaries of the 18th century.

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