Five palaces that span nearly a thousand years of history, with a myriad of treasures to share… Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that has in its charge five remarkable institutions: The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and the Banqueting House. Each of the palaces in our care has survived for hundreds of years.
They have witnessed peace and prosperity and splendid periods of building and expansion but they also share stories of more turbulent times, of war and domestic strife, politics and revolution. These are places where history was made, by kings and queens, politicians and servants, rogues and rebels, craftsmen and traders, philosophers and philanderers, guards and gardeners. The palaces have witnessed strategy, intrigue, ambition, romance, devotion and disaster. World-changing events and the minutiae of everyday domestic life. The grand sweep, and the private moments.
Each palace is symbolic of Britain, and all have world significance. Once they were only for the privileged, now everyone can visit. We give these palaces continuing life. We welcome people, we stage events, we entertain. Our cause is to explore the stories of how monarchs and people shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. We warmly invite you to come and enjoy these fabulous buildings; to share their stories and to support us in our work, so that we can give the palaces a future as valuable as their past.
We offer an exciting programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year. Details on this, how to buy tickets and further information about visiting all the palaces can be found on our website. For more information please visit www.hrp.org.uk to discover our exciting programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year, plus how to buy tickets and full details of how to plan and enjoy your visit in full.
Visit our online store for our full range of beautiful gifts, including the turquoise and gold fine bone ‘Royal Palace’ china featured in this book, all inspired by centuries of stories from five amazing palaces.
Gaze up at the massive White Tower, tiptoe through a king’s medieval bedchamber and marvel at the Crown Jewels. Meet the Yeoman Warders with bloody tales to tell; stand where famous heads rolled and prisoners wept – then discover even more surprising stories about the Tower.
Explore Henry VIII’s magnificent palace, then stroll through the elegant baroque apartments and glorious formal gardens of William III and Mary II. Feel the heat of the vast Tudor Kitchens and the eerie chill of the Haunted Gallery, before you disappear into the Maze, where whispers of the past will haunt every step to the centre of this topiary puzzle.
Walk in the footsteps of a dazzling company of courtiers who once danced, drank and partied beneath the magnificent Rubens-painted ceiling. This revolutionary building was created for court entertainments, but is probably most famous for the execution of Charles I in 1649. Spare him a thought as you gaze up at this ravishing painting – one of his last sights on earth…
Step inside this tiny doll’s house of a palace and sense the joys and sorrows of past royal lives in intimate detail, as King George III and his family come to life through a radio play and display of fascinating personal artefacts. Experience a riot of colour in authentically re-created Georgian rooms, before wandering through the eerie rooms of the upper floor, left untouched for centuries.
Stroll to Queen Charlotte’s cottage, built in 1770, where the royal family enjoyed picnincs and peace in a tranquil corner of Kew Gardens. Don’t miss the tours of the atmospheric Royal Kitchens – an experience to savour. Re-opened in 2012 and presented ‘as found’, this rare Georgian survival will spark your imagination as you sense the presence of the people who prepared, cooked and served food for the royal household, almost 200 years ago.
Take the journey of a courtier through the splendid King’s Apartments and marvel at the impressive rooms and the wall and ceiling paintings. Or discover the private and personal secrets revealed with the Queen’s State Apartments. Tempted by some more recent glamour? You’ll love the stylish displays celebrating modern royals, including Princess Diana. Or explore the life, loves, triumphs and tragedies of Queen Victoria, from lonely princess to her final years, before enjoying a delicious cream tea in the elegant Orangery.