Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is situated in the outskirts of London, not too far from Richmond. Hampton Court Palace is very well known because of one of its occupants, King Henry VIII. However, several other Kings and Queens have lived here too. Point of fact is that most parts of the original Tudor style buildings were completely taken down and were rebuilt by these other Kings and Queens. Most of what remains at the moment was built in the order of King William III. Only a couple of rooms are left over from the period of King Henry VIII; the Chapel Royal, the Great Hall, the Tudor kitchens and some other rooms.

We used the boat tours to Hampton Court Palace. When we visited we entered the palace gardens through one of the side entrances, not knowing this was not an official entrance (well, they should have closed the gate then. :+) ). Unaware of the location of the cash register, we walked inside, expecting it to be there. In the end, we visited most of it, but still did not find that cash register. Looked like we saved ourselves some pounds. :+)

On our tour through the palace we wandered through several beautiful parts. First of all we entered the Tudor kitchens, where a nice and warm fire was burning in the fireplace. Something we really could use after our boat trip (we were cold to the bone). The kitchen looks like it is still in use with pots and utensils on the tables, the fire burning with a cooking pot above it. Walking around there, gave me the feeling we were back in the 16th century again. We also walked into the wine and ale cellar, where we saw enough barrels to get a whole army drunk. :+)

After that, we walked into the Privy kitchen, which was built by Queen Elizabeth I's order. Here we got ourselves some coffee and a little to eat. And was that coffeepot a good idea to warm my hands on (I wonder how they kept the palace warm during the centuries it was occupied). The Privy kitchen is, in my opinion, a good place to hold a Burgundian meal for your wedding party. :+)

Then we walked into the Chapel Royal, a beautiful chapel that shows you how important religion was during these ages. The chapel is divided in two parts, the chapel itself (where the people attended the mass) and the Royal Pew, where the King and Queen would reside. In the chapel itself you will find the King James bible. Also some old coins are on display here. I liked the chapel a lot and was impressed by the splendour of it.