Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
Hampton Court before Henry VIII
17 February 2025
When surrounded by so many of Henry VIII's remarkable buildings at Hampton Court Palace, it’s easy to forget that their story stretches back to the days when the Tudors were a small, fledgling dynasty. But look closer and you’ll find hints at Hampton Court’s early Tudor floorplan.
A gold 1920s wedding dress for the bride who wanted to shine
31 January 2025
For a glittering twist on 1920s wedding dress inspiration, look no further than the Hon. Ursula Mary Lawley's gold wedding ensemble.
Bringing the Circumcision of Isaac tapestry back to life
17 January 2025
It's been nearly five months since conservation work started on Henry VIII's 'Abraham' tapestries, starting with the Circumcision of Isaac. And what a few months it's been!
The benefits of no-dig gardening in the Kitchen Garden
20 December 2024
Ichiho Garbutt, a gardener at Hampton Court, gives insight into how no-dig gardening benefits the palace’s Kitchen Garden, plus some tips on how it can help your garden grow.
How an ancient woodland technique helps Hillsborough Castle’s gardens to thrive
13 December 2024
Gardens Manager Claire Woods explores how coppicing is used to help the gardens at Hillsborough thrive and grow.
Triumph and tragedy: Thomas Cromwell's legacy at the Tower of London
06 December 2024
For Thomas Cromwell, hero of Wolf Hall, the Tower of London would be the scene of the start of his career and the end of his life. Here, Chief Historian Tracy Borman explores the Tower through the lens of Thomas Cromwell's rise and fall.
Thomas Cromwell's fateful match-making
29 November 2024
Tracy Borman explores the real history behind Thomas Cromwell's downfall, which forms the dramatic conclusion to Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.
Protecting wildlife and their habitat at Home Park
22 November 2024
Park Ranger Eleanor Evetts explores the importance of nature conservation efforts at Home Park at Hampton Court Palace.
The History of the Abraham Tapestries at Hampton Court
15 November 2024
Tudor tapestries were the epitome of cultural sophistication and a symbol of the lucky owner’s accomplishments and values: highly coloured, glittering expositions of magnificence and success. Here, Curator Brett Dolman explores how the 'Abraham' tapestries came to be at Hampton Court, and their meaning to those who gazed upon them in the 16th century.