Built way back in some earlier set of numbers, replacing a smaller hall created by Cardinal Wolsey. This is infamous Henry VIII stomping with a heavy heal, putting a mark on his latest purchase…okay so maybe he didn’t actually fork out for it, merely took what he thought he already owned. When one sees themselves as the highest rank, one under God, it leaves little wiggle room for anyone to quibble.
The tapestries which adorn the walls are considered by the British Government as precious as the Crown Jewels in The Tower of London, they share the same status. These creations astonish, but eyes are soon drawn higher, towards the magnificence of a different craft.
The hammer beam ceiling in this room is one of a kind, a team of shipbuilders was brought in to construct this forest above. Hammerbeam ceilings were not new when this one was cut and shaped, they’d been around for centuries. There are many wonderful creations to choose from, Westminster Hall and Eltham Halls both aren’t too shabby, but the oak roof to Henry VIII’s hall at Hampton Court has the added steep pitch which draws up the eyes.
Shakespeare most likely performed under this roof, Queen Anne Boleyn still has her initials AR carved above, Henry even had his first initial and Anne’s blended together on the wooden screen at one end. Young love, bless.
The sense of history and beauty in this place stops me in my tracks, every time. Simple pure wonderment. There are few places that can do this, and after 500 years it still floods the eyes.
Hampton Court Palace