Hampton Court — Uncover Henry VIII's Darkest Secret

Your investigation begins in the Base Court of Hampton Court Palace, the main entrance courtyard built by Cardinal Wolsey from 1515 and completed for Henry VIII in 1528. You enter through the Great West Gate, once five stories high, and reduced to three in the 18th century for stability reasons. This is where royal visitors and horses were received under Henry VIII. A recreated 4-meter-high Tudor wine fountain, on the site of Henry VIII's octagonal one, poured real wine on special occasions, giving you a glimpse into the opulence of the court.

Next, pass through the Anne Boleyn Gatehouse, an iconic gate connecting Base Court to Clock Court. Named after Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife executed in 1536, this gate was the mandatory passage to the royal apartments. It is a place filled with Henry VIII's personal dramas with his wives, often visited during guided tours following in the footsteps of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. Your journey through Hampton Court, a prime tourist destination in Greater London, confronts you with the ghosts of history.

The Great Hall, built by Henry VIII in 1533, is your next stop. Measuring approximately 33 meters long by 18 meters wide, this grand hall has remained intact since the Tudor period. It was the scene of royal banquets and entertainments, and used by Henry VIII's children: Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. It is a highlight of thematic tours on Henry VIII, and a place where one can imagine the echoes of festivities and decisions made during the Tudor reign.

From Clock Court, admire the Astronomical Clock, installed in 1540 by Henry VIII. This clock indicates not only the hours, but also the lunar phases, the tides of the Thames, and the equinoxes. A symbol of the technical magnificence of Henry VIII's reign, it is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. Nearby, the Haunted Gallery, built around 1530 under Henry VIII, connects the Great Watching Chamber to the chapel. Legend has it that Catherine Howard, fifth wife executed in 1542, ran there to plead with Henry VIII, only to be stopped by guards. Ghosts are reportedly heard screaming along the gallery during tours about Henry VIII's dark secrets.

Your exploration will then lead you to the Tudor Kitchens, built by Henry VIII in 1530. Capable of feeding 600 people a day, they included ovens, fireplaces, and spaces for roasting a whole ox, demonstrating the opulence of royal banquets. They are now open to the public for historical demonstrations. Finally, the Council Chamber, opened to the public in April 2009, was the scene of state debates with Cromwell, Thomas Boleyn, Norfolk, and Suffolk, where historical decisions were made under Henry VIII (1509-1547). This circuit will have made you relive Henry VIII's heritage, an immersion in the history of Hampton Court, ideal for an interactive walking tour with family.