Imagine a land where wild horses roam free, where deer forage in ancient woodland and fox cubs play on open fields.
Welcome to the New Forest—a vast region of southern England spanning the counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire, and parts of Dorset.
A land of untamed beauty.
Of pastures, heathland, and ancient woodland, dotted with delightful villages, churches, and country houses.
Join us as we explore the New Forest.
A lone wild horse feeding at sunrise. Credit Lies Thru a Lens, flickr
New Forest Pony. Credit gailhampshire
Camper Van on a road through the New Forest. Credit Steve Wilson, flickr
New Forest National Park. Credit weesam2010, flickr
The ford over Dockens Water at Rockford in the New Forest. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
An old gate to a field in the New Forest near Highwood. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
History
Prior to the Norman Invasion of England, the area was colonised by the Jutes from the Jutland Peninsula of what is now Denmark and Northern Germany.
Following the Norman Conquest, King William I, commonly known as William the Conqueror, designated the land as a royal forest, reserved for the private use of the King and invited aristocracy.
Created at the expense of over 20 small hamlets and farms, it was a “new” area and the only forest described in detail in the ancient Domesday Book’s “Great Survey”.
A well-worn track in the New Forest near Highwood. Credit Anguskirk
Mysteriously, two of William the Conqueror’s sons died in hunting accidents in the New Forest.
Folklore has it that the deaths were punishment for William evicting locals from his newly acquired lands.
Richard of Normandy, his second son, died in around 1070, while his younger brother, William would suffer a similar fate 30 years later.
Struck by an arrow from one of his own men while hunting in August of 1100, King William II of England died in suspicious circumstances, leading to speculation of murder.
Historian Frank Barlow described King William II as:
A rumbustious, devil-may-care soldier, without natural dignity or social graces, with no cultivated tastes and little show of conventional religious piety or morality—indeed, according to his critics, addicted to every kind of vice, particularly lust and especially sodomy.
Rufus Stone near Minstead, New Forest. Credit Avalon20
Marking the spot where the king was shot, the “Rufus Stone” bears the following inscription:
Here stood the oak tree, on which an arrow shot by Sir Walter Tyrrell at a stag, glanced and struck King William the Second, surnamed Rufus, on the breast, of which he instantly died, on the second day of August, anno 1100.
William’s brother Henry was among the hunting party that day and succeeded him as King.
Abanding his brother’s body, he rode straight for Winchester—then the capital of England—to seize the treasury and elect himself King.
Rights of Common
Ancient “rights of common” have allowed local inhabitants to turn horses and cattle out into the forest’s common pasture to graze.
A horse walks in a meadow of Oxeye Daisies at Rockford In Hampshire. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Between September and November, pigs can roam freely to forage for fallen acorns and beechnuts.
Pigs and piglets roaming free in the New Forest. Credit ian mcwilliams, flickr
New Forest ponies are typically not shy and can be bold enough to seek out a treat.
New Forest Pony. Credit Saffron Blaze
New Forest Pony Foal. Credit Stuart Webster, flickr
Silhouette of an oak tree at Backley Holmes in the New Forest. Credit JimChampion
Wildlife
Abundant with diverse species of wildlife thanks to well-preserved lowland habitats—wetlands, heaths, and deciduous woodland—you’re sure to see some beautiful creatures including several deer populations, of which fallow deer is the most common, but also roe deer, red deer, sika deer, and muntjac.
Fallow Deer. Credit Jiřà Nedorost
If you’re lucky, you may see this fine bird of prey—the Northern Goshawk—before it sees you.
Northern Goshawk. Credit Andy Morfew
And the pretty Dartford Warbler can be spotted flitting around the gorse.
Dartford Warbler. Credit Paul Roberts, flickr
New Forest National Park
Covering about 120 square miles, the New Forest’s National Park and Site of Special Scientific Interest is the largest contiguous area of unsown vegetation in lowland Britain.
Natural Bridge, New Forest National Park. Credit weesam,flickr
New Forest Ponies and Ancient Oak near Brockenhurst, New Forest. Credit JR P
The ancient woodland of The New Forest National Park in autumn colours. Credit Tommy Clark, flickr
A rural track in Brockenhurst, New Forest, during the Autumn. Credit Jack Pease, flickr
Spectacular beds of heather in September at Broomy Lodge in the New Forest. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Looking towards Fordingbridge from Milkham Enclosure in the New Forest. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Docken Water at Rockford in the New Forest. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Villages and Historical Buildings
As eclectic as it is beautiful, the New Forest district is filled with pretty villages and historical buildings yearning to be explored.
Founded by King John in 1203, Beaulieu Abbey was occupied by 30 monks sent from the Cîteaux Abbey, the mother house of the Cistercian order.
Granted a rich endowment and lands in the New Forest, Beaulieu Abbey became very wealthy, with a scale and magnificence befitting its royal foundation until it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538 and fell into ruin.
Remains of Outer Wall Around Cloister and Foundations of Beaulieu Abbey Church
The interior of the chapter house of Beaulieu Abbey, New Forest
Once the gatehouse to Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House became the ancestral home of the Mantagu family when it was bought from the Crown following the dissolution of the abbey.
Extended in the 16th and 19th centuries, it is a superb example of a Gothic country house and reputedly one of the most haunted places in Britain.
Beaulieu Palace House, Beaulieu, New Forest. Credit DeFacto
Reportedly sighted walking through walls and making a lot of noise in the private apartments, a lady in blue is believed to be the ghost of the Countess of Beaulieu, Lady Isabella, who died in 1786.
Beaulieu Palace House. Credit Karen Roe, flickr
Dining room at Beaulieu Palace, New Forest. Credit Karen Roe, flickr
Beaulieu Palace House, New Forest. Credit Nigel Brown
Founded in 1952 by Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, as a tribute to his father, who was one of the great British automobile pioneers, the National Motor Museum is hosted in the village of Beaulieu.
1903 De Dion Bouton Model Q at Beaulieu National Motor Museum. Credit Karen Roe, flickr
Filled with around 250 vehicles from the late 19th century through decades of motoring history, the museum also features an exhibit of James Bond cars and a special Top Gear exhibit.
1912 Hispano-Suiza Alfonso XIII at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum. Credit Karen Roe
Noted for its fine collection of paintings and furniture, Breamore House is an Elizabethan manor house in Fordingbridge in the New Forest District of Hampshire.
Completed in 1583 by the Dodington family, it was purchased in the 18th century by Sir Edward Hulse, physician to Queen Anne and Kings George I and George II.
It was used as one of the locations for the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice.
Breamore House, New Forest. Credit Wulfrunian1
Nearby is the parish church of Saint Mary, known for its Anglo-Saxon rood and intriguing historical details such as a Puritan-inspired plaque warning patrons to “Avoid Fornication”.
St Mary’s parish church, Breamore, New Forest. Credit Plumbao
With its cobbled streets, pretty whitewashed Victorian and Georgian buildings, and proximity to the New Forest, Lymington is a popular tourist destination.
Derived from Old English words “tun” meaning hamlet and “limen” meaning elm tree, Lymington’s history dates back to the Anglo-Saxons.
Lymington also runs a ferry service to the Isle of Wight.
The Small Port of Lymington, New Forest. Credit JR P, flickr
In the countryside north of Lymington, beautiful villages like Boldre and Brockenhurst dot the landscape, once described by author and naturalist William Henry Hudson as “‘a land of secret, green, out-of-the-world places”.
Boldre village church, New Forest. Credit Alan Stewart
A pretty thatched cottage at Rockford, New Forest. Credit Anguskirk
Thatched cottage in Brook Village in the New Forest. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
A pretty thatched cottage framed by an old Oak tree at Highwood in Hampshire. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Thatched cottage and geese in the New Forest. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Held annually at the end of July, the New Forest Agricultural Show has been running since 1921 and promotes the development of agriculture, forestry, equestrianism and horticulture in the region.
Burrell Steam engine 3902 ‘Elizabeth’, built in 1921, powers a Ransomes threshing machine at the New Forest Show. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Attending in 2012, Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh honoured the Show as one of the country’s top ten agricultural Shows, attracting almost 100,000 people over three days.
All that hard work soaking up the gorgeous scenery and atmosphere may make you thirsty and the New Forest doesn’t disappoint, with dozens of old pubs to choose from—as long as you don’t mind the local fauna waltzing by now and then.
The Red Shoot pub in the New Forest. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
The 18th century Alice Lisle inn at Rockford in the New Forest. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Families enjoy a Sunday lunch outside the High Corner Inn in the New Forest. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
The New Forest is a place to experience a way of life that’s been preserved for centuries.
Or a place to find peace and solitude.
Just you, the wind, and the wilderness.
Sunrise over Rockford Common, New Forest. Credit Ragamuffin Brian, flickr
Steeped in history and legend, Winchester is a reminder of Britain’s mythical past.
Soak up the gothic splendor of Winchester Cathedral, stroll along ancient river walks, laugh at street theatre, or relax over wine or a fine ale.
Winchester is an adventure in time.
Here are 10 reasons you’ll fall in love with Winchester.
1. Ancient Capital of England
Honored by a huge statue 17 feet high, Alfred the Great stands watching over the city he built on top of the old Roman settlement of Venta Belgarum.
Today it is known as Winchester—the Anglo-Saxon capital of England before London.
King Alfred’s Statue, Winchester. Credit Odejea
Venta Belgarum means “Town of the Belgae”—a confederation of tribes mostly living in present day Belgium, but some living in southern England.
Following the Roman invasion of Britain, the Romans founded the settlement in around 70 AD and developed it into a major trading center with city walls, before withdrawing from Britain some 340 years later.
During diggings at the corner of Little Minster Street and Minster Lane in 1878, a beautiful Roman mosaic was discovered.
Depicting a dolphin, you can see the mosaic on display at the Winchester City Museum.
Roman Mosaic discovered in Winchester. Credit John W. Schulze, flickr
But Winchester’s history goes back much further to the Iron Age (1200 BC – 1 BC), with the remains of three hill forts all in the nearby vicinity—Oram’s Arbour, St. Catherine’s Hill, and Worthy Down.
St. Catherine’s Hill in Winchester is an Iron age Hill Fort. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
One day in 2000, a retired florist was out in the fields of Winchester hoping to get lucky with his metal detector and perhaps find something interesting.
Striking one of the most important Iron Age gold hoards for fifty years and valued at £350,000 ($457,000), he was a little more than lucky.
Housed in the British Museum, the Winchester Hoard is thought to be a lavish diplomatic gift dating from about 75-25 BCE.
Having the longest nave and overall length of all Gothic cathedrals in Europe, it comes as little surprise that Winchester Cathedral is the major landmark of the city.
Winchester Cathedral at Sunset. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
Originally founded in 642 and known as the “Old Minster”, it was demolished by the Normans in 1093 and a new cathedral built in its place.
Squat and square, the tower is 150 ft tall which pales in comparison with Salisbury Cathedral’s 404 ft spire—just 25 miles to the west of Winchester.
Winchester Cathedral showing west end, central tower and longest Gothic cathedral nave in Europe. Credit WyrdLight.com
Some speculate that Winchester Cathedral may have later had a spire if funds had been available since spires were highly desirable.
But the current tower is the second after the first collapsed in 1107—an accident blamed on the impious William Rufus (William the Conqueror’s heir) who was buried in the Cathedral.
It’s possible this “bad omen” halted any plans for a spire that would reach to the heavens—which might have looked like the image below.
What Winchester Cathedral might have looked like with its spire intact
The ceiling of the Choir in the ancient Cathedral of Winchester. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
Winchester Cathedral Choir looking west. Credit David Iliff
The nave of Winchester Cathedral as viewed from the west looking towards the choir. Credit David Iliff
Honored as a beautiful statue, Saint Joan of Arc stares in vain at the Chancery Chapel of Cardinal Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, a man who helped condemn her to death by burning at the stake in 1431.
The statue of Joan of Arc is in Winchester Cathedral. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
The High Altar of Winchester Cathedral. Credit David Iliff
Spire or no, Winchester Cathedral is beautiful inside and out, and whether out for a stroll in the grounds or a guided tour, the setting is absolutely magical.
Winchester Cathedral. Credit Neil Howard
The 15th century Cheyney Court and Priory Gate in the Close of Winchester Cathedral. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
3. Winchester Castle and King Arthur’s Round Table
At one time, Winchester had a castle, of which only the Great Hall still stands, but it houses one of the greatest artifacts from Arthurian Legend—The Round Table.
Symbolizing equality since a round table has no head, by the close of the 12th century, it came to represent the chivalric order of King Arthur’s court and the Knights of the Round Table.
Great Hall, Winchester. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
Normal poet Robert Wace said that Arthur created the Round Table to prevent quarrels among his barons, none of whom would accept a lower place than the others.
Arthur increased his personal entourage by inviting very distinguished men from far-distant kingdoms to join it.
King Arthur’s Round Table at Winchester Castle
In Celtic lore, warriors sit in a circle around the king or lead warrior.
British cleric Geoffrey of Monmouth says that after establishing peace throughout Britain, Arthur “increased his personal entourage by inviting very distinguished men from far-distant kingdoms to join it.”
The Round Table experiences a vision of the Holy Grail by Évrard d’Espinques, 1475
King Arthur by Charles Ernest Butler, 1903
4. Winchester College
Claiming the longest unbroken history of any school in England, Winchester College was established in 1382 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester and chancelloer to Edward III and Richard II.
Founded in conjunction with New College, Oxford, it was meant to prepare students to attend Oxford University.
Eton College and King’s College, Cambridge would later follow the same model.
The 14th century Middle Gate tower and Chamber Court of Winchester College. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Winchester College. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Be sure to pop into the Wykeham Arms pub for a bite to eat and a pint of delicious local ale.
You can even sit at old school desks from the college, complete with ink wells.
Inside the Wycham Arms pub with old school desks. Credit Kake, flickr
An independent boarding school for boys in the British public school tradition, according to Tatler Magazine, 35% of leavers in 2015 had places at Oxford or Cambridge; most of the rest attended other universities, including those in North America.
Performance like that doesn’t come cheap, with fees of £38,100 per year (almost $50,000 per year).
The 14th-century cloisters of Winchester College Chapel. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
West Hill with Winchester College Chapel beyond. Credit Herry Lawford, flickr
The Chapel of Winchester College in Hampshire was completed in 1395, and the organ in 1403. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
5. Jane Austen’s House
Living in Chawton, Hampshire, about 18 miles north-east of Winchester, Jane Austen started feeling unwell early in the year of 1816.
When her uncle died leaving nothing of his fortune to his relatives, her condition deteriorated and by mid-April she was bed-ridden.
Jane Austen’s house in Chawton, Hampshire (The Jane Austen Museum). Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Suffering agonizing pain, her sister Cassandra and brother-in-law Henry brought her to Winchester for treatment in May.
She lived here, at 8 College Street, Winchester for the last few weeks of her life.
Jane Austen’s house on College Street Winchester. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Jane Austen’s House. Credit Mike Peel
Jane Austen’s House. Credit Alwyn Ladell, flickr
Click here to see Jane Austen’s House in Winchester
On 18 July, at the age of 41, Jane Austen, one of the most prolific writers of the Regency Era, passed to another place free from pain.
She is buried in the north aisle of the nave of Winchester Cathedral.
Jane Austen’s memorial stone in Winchester Cathedral. Credit Spencer Means, flickr
6. Ancient City Walls, Streets, and the River Itchen
When you enter Winchester through one of the medieval arched gateways, you get a buzz—a feeling that this is going to be special, that you are traveling back in time to a land of Anglo-Saxon Kings, Knights, Bishops, and peasants.
In short, Winchester has atmosphere.
Parts of the medieval city walls still stand, strong and imposing, forever protecting the city inhabitants.
Sat here, time stands still, allowing your mind to wonder how many travelers passed this way on pilgrimages to the magnificent cathedral.
Winchester’s Medieval City Wall. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
Fortunately, advances in city architecture have left Winchester largely free from blight.
It’s a city with relatively few brutal buildings from the 60’s and 70’s and has remained beautiful for hundreds of years.
High Street, Winchester c 1890s. Credit Alwyn Ladell
The town clock still reminds you what time it is regardless of how many carry mobile phones.
The High Street of Winchester. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
There’s time to enjoy the simpler things in life.
Shopping in the High Street, Winchester. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
The Victorians appreciated aesthetics—their gothic revival architecture blended with the medieval to keep the mythical past alive.
The Guildhall (Town Hall) in Winchester was built in 1871. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
Great Minster Street, Winchester. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
St. Swithun’s Bridge Winchester. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
River Itchen, Winchester. Credit Johan Bakker
Powered by the River Itchen, the old City Mill is probably the country’s oldest working watermill, with over a thousand years of history.
Water Mill, Winchester. Credit Johan Bakker
7. Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty
Founded in the 1130s by Henry de Blois—the Abbot of Glastonbury Abbey, Bishop of Winchester, and grandson of William the Conqueror—the Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty is the oldest charitable institution in the United Kingdom.
The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty. Credit barnyz, flickr
Built on the scale of an Oxbridge college, the almshouses are the largest medieval examples in Britain.
St. John’s almshouses in Winchester. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Since at least the 14th century, and still available today, a ‘wayfarer’s dole’ of ale and bread has been handed out at the chapel.
The sustenance was supposedly instigated to aid pilgrims on their way to Canterbury.
Handing out Wayfarer’s Dole at St Cross Hospital, Winchester. Credit Alwyn Ladell, flickr
The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty, Winchester. Spencer Means, flickr
The nave facing east, the late Norman church of the Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty, Winchester. Credit Spencer Means, flickr
8. Street Theatre, Fairs, and Farmers Market
Just as our medieval forebears enjoyed street entertainments, so too do Winchester residents who gather on the cathedral lawns or the High Street to celebrate street theatre during the summer festival season.
Entertainers in the Close of the 11th century Cathedral. Credit Anguskirk, flickr, flickr
Unicycle jugglers entertain the crowd in the Cathedral Close. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Winchester hosts one of the UK’s largest farmers’ markets, with about 100 stalls of fresh locally grown produce.
The market at Winchester. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
During the Christmas holiday season, hundreds of children holding paper lanterns process along the High Street to the Cathedral Close to mark the opening of the Christmas Market and Ice Rink.
The Christmas lantern Parade at Winchester. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
9. Walking, Cycling, and Surrounding Countryside
Whether you’re working off a big evening meal with a pleasant stroll or engaged in a more active pursuit, Winchester’s walks are a delight for the senses.
From the City centre, there is a lovely 20-minute walk along the riverside footpath to the ancient Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse.
The Water Meadows riverside walk in Winchester. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
How much more enjoyable does it get to soak up Winchester’s sights than on a bicycle made for two?
A couple cycle past Winchester Cathedral on a bicycle made for two. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
Hampshire’s countryside, towns, and villages are some of the prettiest in Britain, with fields of green and bright yellow stretching for miles.
An ancient Roman road that is now a footpath will take you on an adventure from Winchester Cathedral to Salisbury Cathedral—this is “Pillars of the Earth” country.
Canola (rapeseed) crop near Winchester. Credit, Neil Howard
The Duckpond at Crawley, near Winchester. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
Hampshire is one of the best counties to see gorgeous thatched cottages.
Thatched cottage in Easton near Winchester. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
Click here to see thatched houses in East Stratton, near Winchester
Cottage by the village pond at Crawley, near Winchester. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Road through the Crab Wood, near Winchester, UK. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
10. Cafes, Pubs, and Restaurants
Winchester boasts some of the oldest pubs in Britain.
From debating the best way to grow prize roses to who will win the county cricket championships, there’s not much beats a glass of wine al fresco.
Time to talk over a glass of wine at La Place Bistro. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
Winchester Pubs
Delightful pubs and restaurants abound in Winchester.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious lunch at the Chesil Rectory—Winchester’s oldest house—or something French for evening upscale dining at the Hotel du Vin, Winchester is sure to be one of your best and favorite memories.
Chesil Rectory is the oldest building in Winchester. Credit Anguskirk, flickr
Hotel du Vin, Winchester. Image credit Hotel du Vin
Completed in 1515, Hampton Court was Henry VIII’s favorite summer residence. It epitomized Tudor fashion and style. But Henry didn’t have it built. He seized it.
Hampton Court main entrance or ‘Great Gate’. Credit Duncan Harris
Designed by Henry’s closest advisor, Thomas Wolsey, Hampton Court Palace was originally conceived as Wolsey’s own home—as a reward to himself for becoming Cardinal in 1515.
Hampton Court moat. Credit David Farquhar, flickr
Sparing no expense, Wolsey used glittering painted red brick with a black diamond pattern, white mortar joints and dozens of decorative chimneys—the largest collection in England.
Decorative Tudor chimneys of Hampton Court Palace. Credit Cristian Bortes
Hampton Court Palace fountain. Credit Peter Trimming
Its opulence provoked gossip that it was finer than any of the King’s own palaces. So Wolsey smartly deflected criticism by saying he had built it for Henry all along.
Wolsey, a quiet word, if you please … A little birdie tells me you’re building a rather grand palace on the river?
But, your majesty, I was keeping it as a surprise for your birthday.
Good man, Wolsey. I knew I could trust you. Keep it up!King Henry and Cardinal Wolsey
‘Me and My King’ Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey by Sir John Gilbert c. 1886
Interwoven into the stonework of Hampton Court is Catherine of Aragon’s royal emblem—pomegranate seeds that were meant to represent the potency of her kingdom. Next to it was carved the Tudor rose, indicating how serious Henry was about their relationship that lasted almost 24 years—longer than his five other marriages combined.
2. Hampton Court has the largest surviving 16th-century kitchens in the world
200 cooks worked slavishly from sunup to sundown to feed 800 guests when Henry’s entourage was staying at the palace.
The Great Fires at Hapton Court kitchens. Credit Kotomi Creations
Burning a ton of wood in each of six huge fireplaces, the cooks sweated buckets and were rewarded with as much beer as they could drink.
Hampton Court Kitchens. Credit David Farquhar, flickr
Hampton Court Kitchens. Credit David Farquhar, flickr
3. Hampton Court Palace was the ultimate Tudor sports and leisure complex
Its 16th-century tennis court is one of the oldest sporting venues in the world.
It is the prettiest thing in the world to see him play, his fair skin glowing through a shirt of the finest textureVenetian Ambassador
Henry VIII was a masterful tennis player
But jousting was Henry’s favorite sport. Set amongst the 60 acres of formal landscaped gardens there was a jousting complex. He saw himself as a chivalrous knight in armor and risked serious injury every time he took part.
Jousting knight in a modern reenactment. Credit David Ball
Splinters from shattered lances could blind and serious cuts might mean literally bleeding to death.
In 1536, Henry was knocked from his horse and crushed, as the horse—wearing armor and weighing probably half a ton—rolled over him, rendering him unconscious for two hours.
Opening an ulcer in his leg, Henry would suffer severe pain for the rest of his life. Some believe the constant pain changed him into an irascible tyrant.
Anne Boleyn was watching, and later suffered the miscarriage that would ultimately put her head on the block.
Anne Boleyn in the Tower by Edouard Cibot, 1835
4. Hampton Court has many priceless works of art
Commissioned by Henry VIII and hanging on the walls of the palace’s Tudor apartments are enormous paintings that tell a story of Henry’s battlefield conquests.
The Field of the Cloth of Gold, c. 1545 in the Royal Collection at Hampton Court
To celebrate the birth of his only son and heir, Edward, Henry commissioned a series of spectacular tapestries.
Considered one of the finest pieces of decorative artwork from the Tudor period, the “Abraham Tapestries” depict stories from the life of the biblical prophet Abraham.
Made with cloth of gold, each tapestry cost Henry the price of a warship.
Tapestries in the Great Hall. Credit bvi4092, flickr
Painted by Italian Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna between 1484 and 1492, the Triumphs of Caesar depict a triumphal military parade of Julius Caesar in the Gallic Wars.
Thought to be Mantegna’s greatest masterpiece, the paintings are the best examples of their kind ever created.
The Vase Bearers from the Triumphs of Caesar, Royal Collection, Hampton Court Palace, c 1500
5. The Great Hall was a token of love from Henry to Anne Boleyn
The ceiling of the Great Hall of Hampton Court Palace. Credit David Iliff
Henry VIII’s First Interview with Anne Boleyn by Daniel Maclise, R.A. – 1835
The term “eavesdroppers” comes from the colorful little faces hanging from the eaves of the Great Hall looking down on courtiers below. A reminder that walls have ears.
Hampton Court Eavesdropper. Credit Matt Brown
After Anne Boleyn’s execution, Henry wiped all traces of her from Hampton court, apart from one of her symbols that the workmen missed. It remains to this day.
6. Hampton Court was the birthplace of the Church of England
Henry broke with the Roman Catholic church after Pope Clement VII failed to grant him an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon so that he could marry Anne Boleyn.
Ahem … we’ve been watching you Mr. Tudor. Just how many wives does a King of England need? For all we know, you won’t stop until you’ve had six. Annulment denied. Next …
Pope Clement VII and King Henry VIII
Despite being opposed to Protestantism, Henry appointed himself Supreme Head of the Church of England to ensure the annulment of his marriage. Pope Paul III excommunicated him in 1538.
7. Hampton Court was the place for Tudor ladies to be seen in all their finery
Arriving suitably attired meant a lot of preparation, with up to five layers of clothing.
Tudor costumes at Hampton Court Palace. Credit Mary Harrsch, flickr
This portrait of Henry VIII’s third wife, Jane Seymour, shows the foresleeves that were separate pieces tied on with ribbons and matching the kirtle.
Jane Seymour, Queen of England by Hans Holbein the Younger, 1536
Queen Anne Boleyn at the Grand Jousting Tournament reenactment held at Hampton Court Palace. Credit KotomiCreations
8. The Great Watching Chamber was built in honor of Jane Seymour
Built in honor of Jane Seymour, the only wife to produce a male heir, the Great Watching Chamber was where courtiers would wait to see Henry. The ceiling is a lavish latticework of gilt interspersed with colorful leather maches.
Ceiling of the Great Watching Chamber, Hampton Court Palace
Less than two weeks after the birth of her only child, who became King Edward VI, Jane Seymour died of postnatal complications.
Stained glass window in the Great Watching Room. Credit David Farquhar
The only one of Henry’s wives to receive a queen’s funeral, Jane’s heart and lungs are kept inside a lead box hidden behind the altar of the chapel at Hampton Court.
The Chapel, Hampton Court Palace, 1819
9. Hampton Court was the home of King William III and Queen Mary II
William III and Mary II
Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to redesign the palace in the style of Versailles. Lack of funds meant that only half the palace was rebuilt.
The East Front, Hampton Court Palace. Credit MrsEllacott
A view of Queen Mary’s State Bedchamber at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Privy Garden. Credit Matt Brown
Hampton Court Palace, William III Apartments. Credit KotomiCreations, flickr
10. Hampton Court was a fusion of architectural styles and periods
The Hampton Court we see today is a unique fusion of two different styles of architecture—Tudor and Baroque—and two different worlds set 150 years apart, covering the Tudor and the Stuart eras.
Even its ghosts travel across the threshold of time.
