Welsand's in London

Hampton Court Palace visit

For my mom and Jean's first full day in London, a trip to Hampton Court Palace was the mission. They got their first ride on the London public transportation system as we took the underground (aka "tube") and the National Rail train to the Palace. This is always an experience in itself.(Thankfully the strong smelling man sleeping on the tube was 'smelt' days later after they were more experienced tube riders!).


The Hampton Court Palace was incredible! It has over 500 years of royal history and includes the state apartments of Henry VIII and William III, 60 acres of immaculate riverside gardens and a world-famous maze (we didn't attempt). The apartments are some of the finest and most important Baroque state apartments in the world. They were amazing! Royalty spares no expense, especially King Henry VIII, not a frugal man in any sense. The gardens, while just starting to come alive, were still a great site. They must be remarkable when in full bloom.

Hampton Court also houses the Great Vine, which was planted in 1768. It is the oldest known vine in the world and still produces 500-700lbs (230-320kg) of grapes each year. The grapes are harvested at the end of August and are sold in the palace shops. We also saw the Triumphs of Caesar. It is nine canvases painted by Andrea Mantegna between 1485 and 1495 are considered to be one of the most important works of the Italian Renaissance.

Since it was Mum's Day weekend (yes, much earlier than in the US, you haven't missed it yet!) in England, they also had Florimania, a festival of flowers, at Hampton Court as well. The Queen's State Apartments were filled with huge bouquets which really added to the rooms. It was a great place to spend a day. I would like to go back again for a visit when the flowers are in bloom!

posted by Chris @ 1:00 PM