| Hampton Court began life as a large barn belonging to the Knights Hospitaliers of St. John of Jerusalem, founded in the 11th century. Later it was later rented out to the next Tenant - Thomas Wolsey who added the palace complex along with beautiful interiors. Henry transformed Hampton Court and by 1540 had spent 62000, it being his favourite residence. Other suites and lodgings were added over the years but when William III and Queen Mary II ascended the throne they requested Christopher Wren to rebuild the Palace preferring Hampton Court to Whitehall Palace. Work began in 1689 and outstripped Henry's former spendings of 62k to £113,000 but work stopped in 1694 when Queen Mary died. William died in 1702 not having long to enjoy his baroque palace. The last rooms were built by the Hanoverians; George II finally saw the completion of the last rooms at Hampton Court and the Queen's staircase in 1732. 1737 marked the final year of the royal family using the entire palace. Queen Victoria in 1838 insisted that the palace should be open to all subjects not just the ones of appropriate social standing who for a fee could tour the palace and everyone was invited! Exhibitions were introduced to tell the palace's story later in the 20th century but disaster struck in 1986 via a fire. The repair work was completed in 1995 and rebuilt true to the originals of King William III Apartments, furniture was returned to the rooms after being removed in the 18th century. Later work included the "routes" through the palace aided by much needed maps for us visitors! |
