Hampton Court Palace is a royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames,
Greater London. It was originally built for Cardinal Wolsey, a favourite of King Henry VIII.
Wolsey remodeled the palace when it came into his possession,
and many were jealous of his extravagant lifestyle and the influence he wielded over Henry for many years.
In effect, Wolsey was the real power behind the throne.
in 1529, as Wolsey fell from favour, the palace was passed to the King, who enlarged it.
The following century, William III's massive rebuilding and expansion project intended to rival Versailles was begun. Work halted in 1694, leaving the palace in two distinct contrasting architectural styles,
a unity exists due to the use of pink bricks and a symmetrical, albeit vague,
balancing of successive low wings.
Today, the palace is open to the public, and is a major tourist attraction.
Pictures were taken in July 2, 2009
The King's Staircase murals painted by Antonio Verrio.
One word- MAGNIFICENT!!!
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