Hampton Court - Photos IV

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These are the miscellaneous photos from my visit to Hampton Court. 

They had a special exhibit about the royal bedchamber whilst I was there. It was quite fascinating. Part of the exhibit was a video played on the ceiling. You had to lie on these mattresses to watch it. I admit I was initially hesitant. I mean, who had been lying on these things? But I gave in. The bed was surprisingly comfortable.

I just liked the look of this.

Henry VIII was an avid sportsman in his youth and enjoyed playing tennis. A tennis club remains active at the palace to this day. I couldn't get a good shot of the indoor court. This display fascinated me because I had no idea that the origins of these sayings came from tennis.

This is the astronomical clock in the Clock Court near the center of the palace. It was installed between 1540 and 1542, when Henry was rebuilding Hampton Court. The clock shows the hour, day of the month, position of the sun in the elliptic, twelve signs of the zodiac, number of days since the beginning of the year, phases of the moon, its age in days, the hour the moon crosses the meridian, and therefore, the time of high tide at London Bridge. Since Henry often traveled by barge, he needed to know the best time to travel.

The Clock Court. There is an exhibit about Henry's youth in the building with the columns, but it was closed.

No matter where I go, there is some sort of restoration happening. I'm happy so much is beng preserved.

This is Base Court. It is the first court you encounter upon entering the palace. During Tudor times, it served as an open-air hotel lobby where guests were greeted. In 2008, excavation work that removed the Victorian-era lawn, discovered the remains of a conduit, or fountain, as well as much of the original stonework you see. Using historical documents, Henry's wine fountain was reconstructed from period materials. On weekends and bank holidays, it flows with wine so visitors can raise a glass to the king.

I loved the figures added to the fountain. Clearly they enjoyed a bit too much of the king's spirited hospitality.

As did this fellow.

The clock in Base Court.

And here we are back at the entrance and those interesting statues.

This is the Royal Dragon.

This is the Seymour Unicorn.

This fellow is the Lion of England.

And this is the Seymour Panther.

The main gate.

And finally one of Her Majesty's swans. :-)




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