The history of Hampton Court Palace began with Archbishop Thomas Wolsey in the early 1500's. In the mid to late 1520's, King Henry VIII took over the palace.

King Henry VIII made many additions to Wolsey's original palace, including most of the Tudor parts that remain today. These additions included: rebuilding and enlarging his personal apartment space, parts of the kitchens, and the Chapel Royal; adding tennis courts; and the reconstruction of the Great Hall. In addition, he is responsible for planning the overall garden structure at Hampton Court.

In just ten years time, King Henry VIII spent over £62,000 rebuilding and adding to Hampton Court. This is worth about $33 million by today's standards!

Hampton Court has had many famous residents and visitors. All six of King Henry VIII's wives stayed here, as did King Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I. Even William Shakespeare's acting company entertained King James I here in the early 1600's.

Of the many important events that have occured at Hampton Court, two key events during Shakespeare's lifetime happened here:

1537 - The future King Edward VI was born at Hampton Court and christened in the Chapel Royal. This was King Henry VIII's only son.

1604 - The Hampton Court Conference took place during the reign of King James I. The conference resulted in the King James Version of the Bible which was completed in 1611.

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Text: Jenny M. Buccos