Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
Hampton Court before Henry VIII
17 February 2025
It’s easy to forget that parts of Henry VIII's Hampton Court date back to when the Tudors were a small, fledgling dynasty. But look closer and you’ll find hints at the palace's early floorplan.
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.
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.
'Buried Among Kings': Hampton Court and the Coffin of the Unknown Warrior
11 November 2024
On 11 November 1920 the Unknown Warrior was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey, in a coffin said to have been made of Hampton Court oak.
Things are looking up! Conserving our upper outer valances of Queen Caroline's state bed
08 November 2024
Work on Queen Caroline’s State Bed, which we care for on behalf of the Royal Collection Trust, continues in the Conservation Studio at Hampton Court Palace. We have now moved up to the top of the bed with the upper outer valances.
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.
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.
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.