Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace began in 1514 and continues to evolve. The palace is constructed primarily of brick, with freestone dressings. The roofs are covered with lead, tiles, and slates. The palace was initially begun by Cardinal Wolsey, and substantial portions of his work remain, notably within the Base Court, Clock Court, and Kitchen Court. King Henry VIII significantly altered the palace between 1529 and 1540, including rebuilding the Great Hall (1532) and remodelling the Chapel (1535-6). He also built Chapel Court and added projecting, turretted side wings to the west facade, along with extensions to the kitchens. Queen Elizabeth made some changes, including the construction of a private kitchen. In 1689, William III initiated a major building campaign under the direction of Sir Christopher Wren. This primarily involved the Fountain Court, located in the southeastern corner of the old palace on the site of the former Tudor Cloister Green Court, and the Colonnade within Clock Court. Work was also undertaken under George II, including remodelling the Tudor range situated between Clock and Fountain Courts by William Kent, who also completed the decorations of the Queen's Staircase. The Tudor ranges generally consist of 2-3 storeys with mullioned windows, typically with 2-4 lights. Wren's additions are 4-storied, featuring arched windows or arcades on the ground floors, tall, square-headed windows with moulded surrounds and occasional pediments on the first floors, round windows on the second floor, and almost square windows treated as an attic above a stone cornice. A further cornice and balustraded parapet is situated above this. Numerous interiors, both Tudor and later, remain.