Located to the south west of central London, Hampton Court Palace is an exquisite royal palace originally intended for Henry VIII's chief minister, Thomas Wolsey.
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In the early years of the 15th century, Wolsey spent the equivalent of £7 million in todays money during construction. Just 15 years after it was completed, he fell from favour of the king. Out of embarrassment, he left it to the king himself who spent a further £18 million expanding the palace to his liking.
Huge kitchens were built for the sole purpose of serving over 1000 permanent residents (as well as visitors) that the palace housed during Henrys residence there.
In the 16th century, King William III wanted to expand and replace parts of the palace and spent £9.5 million but the work was not fully completed after the death of his wife, Queen Mary, in 1694.
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Other building work was completed in the early 17th century when George I was in power. These were interior features such as a staircase and a private suite.
Notable features are an astronomical clock, ornate spiral chimneys, beautifully maintained gardens including the UK's oldest hedge maze in the UK) & a huge playpark named The Magic Garden.
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