Hampton Court Palace is no empty museum, but a large and thriving community, following a tradition set by George III, who allowed loyal servants to live here by Grace and Favour. Now home mainly to institutions and only a few residents, the sense of a secret life beyond the public eyes survives - doors leading to invisible corridors, of figures disappearing up a staircase with briefcase or shopping basket. The opportunity we offer our visitors, on behalf of Historic Royal Palaces, is to become part of this life, to go past the security barrier, to make yourself at home in a palace.
Location
Hampton Court is so much a part of our history that it needs no new introduction. The details are best learned there, slowly and at first hand: our visitors are free to explore the gardens and most of the courtyards at all times, early and late, and the public rooms of the palace during opening hours. Hampton Court has always been loved. Ernest Law, its chief historian, wrote, 'There is something so essentially homelike in the old Palace, that very few can dwell within it long, without growing attached to it'.
The Georgian House(Sleeps 5)
Layout The Georgian House is an imposing bulding just north of the palace. It looks like a garrison commander's house, but was in fact a kitchen built in 1719 for George, Prince of Wales. Its near-twin at St James's Palace is thought to be by Vanbrugh. Later it became two houses, for the Clerk of Works and the Gardener. You can stay in the eastern one, with a private walled garden into which the morning sun shines. The main rooms are handsome, the attics have a fine view of the palace roofs, and in the kitchen is a huge blocked arch, once a royal cooking hearth.
Fish Court(Sleeps 6)
Layout This apartment has its front door in Fish Court. It was originally for the Officers of the Pastry and lies in the service wing of the Tudor palace. Begun by Cardinal Wolsey, this was enlarged by Henry VIII, who entertained even more lavishly and added new kitchens, one entirely for the baking of pies. The windows look south over Master Carpenter'sCourt and north towards Bushey Park.
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