Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
The Jewel House Keeper's Ghost
31 October 2024
Curator Alden Gregory explores one of the many ghost stories associated with the palaces in our care: the Tower of London's Phantom Bear.
The Extraordinary Life and Death of Lady Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury
25 October 2024
Lady Margaret Pole spent her life serving the Tudors. But in 1541, she was led to her execution at the Tower of London on the orders of Henry VIII.
Conserving Henry VIII's Abraham Tapestries
18 October 2024
Textile Treatment Conservator Alice Young introduces a new major project at Historic Royal Palaces, to keep the Abraham tapestries looking their best for future generations.
'May I Go Home?': Lady Jane Grey's First Moments as a Tower Prisoner
11 October 2024
Lady Jane Grey's biographer, Dr Nicola Tallis unpicks the moment that Jane learned of her deposition and was forced to come to terms with her fall from Queen to Tower prisoner.
John and Mary: Black Children at Queen Anne's Court?
04 October 2024
Dr Misha Ewen explores what we know of John and Mary, two children baptised at the Chapel Royal of St James's Palace during Queen Anne's reign.
Composting at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
27 September 2024
Gardens manager Claire Woods explores how compost is used in the gardens at Hillsborough Castle and shares some expert advice for your own garden at home.
A Model of Queenship: Lady Elizabeth's Summer with Katherine Parr
20 September 2024
Tracy Borman travels back to 1544, when Elizabeth spent a happy summer at Hampton Court Palace watching her beloved stepmother, Katherine Parr act as Regent. This visit would have an enduring impact on the young princess.
Using Heritage Science to Conserve Queen Caroline's State Bed
13 September 2024
Work on Queen Caroline’s much-loved State bed, which we care for on behalf of the Royal Collection Trust, continues at Hampton Court Palace and our attentions are now drawn to protecting the feet of this priceless historic object.
Elizabeth I's Brush with Death at Hampton Court, 1562
06 September 2024
In 1562, Elizabeth I was taken suddenly and dangerously ill at Hampton Court Palace. Her courtiers were thrown into panic; if the young Queen died, it could spell the end of the Tudor dynasty.