8-3HamptonCourt

WHAT IS HAMPTON COURT? WHAT IS ITS HISTORY AND ITS LEGACY? Answer Prepared By: Tiwa Lawal Hampton Court is a former royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, a very prominent figure in the Church, leased Hampton Court between 1515 and 1530. Wolsey expanded Hampton Court on a “grand scale,” making it a lavish castle. This is the first time King Henry III and Katherine of Aragon visit to Hampton Court. Wolsey’s lands were forfeited to King Henry VIII. Wolsey resided there but left and never returned. In 1529, Henry VIII’s workmen took over building Hampton Court. In this court, many things have happened. King Henry VIII divorced Anne of Cleves and married Catherine Howard, his fifth wife. There Catherine Howard was arrested for sexual liaisons. George III then became king and abandoned Hampton Court, in 1760. In 1838, Queen Victoria opened the gardens to the public, free of charge. It was also changed for William III and Mary II. Hampton Court is a memorial for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, King Henry, William III, and Mary II.

It is said about Hampton’s Court that, “The King’s Court should hath the excellence. But Hampton Court hath the pre-eminence.” The palace is surrounded by courts and gardens. In fact, many people come to Hampton Court just to see the gardens. It is also well known for its maze and tennis court. While King Henry, William III, and Mary II lived in Hampton Court, they changed different things. The rooms are filled with intricate furniture and tapestries.

Hampton Court is no longer a royal residence, but it still has some of the same rooms. After the reign of King George II, no monarch has resided there. In 1838, Queen Victoria opened up to the public. Hampton Court is still visited often. It is a famous tourist attraction with historical importance and beauteous scenery.


 * Links:**

[|Hampton Court Palace Website] : This website can give you historical background if you click the link that says [|History and Stories] on the left hand side. There, if you look under the section that says History of Hampton Court Palace, you can see [|Hampton Court's development] or you can look at a [|timeline of Hampton Court's History].

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