The first Privy Garden at Hampton Court was created for Henry VIII from 1530. It was divided into 20 compartments each enclosed by rails bearing poles surmounted by richly painted heraldic beasts. It also contained, at the river end, a large brick water gallery for the royal barge and an elaborate banqueting house built on a mound. Little trace of this early garden survived and a magnificent cutwork parterre was created for William III in 1702. The King's State Apartments were intended to complement the garden. To 1991 the garden had become extremely overgrown and the original vistas were lost. Between 1991 and 1995 the garden was restored with great historical authenticity and brought back into harmony with the palace.

Add to tour Add to favourites