This is a stained glass window in the double height chapel. Henry was at mass in the chapel when fifth wife Catherine Howard was dragged screaming down the gallery outside, begging the king not to execute her.
These two pictures of tapestries are from the Great Watching Chamber.
These two pictures were taken in the Garderobe (toilet room).
This is a drawing of the toilet. Apparently, the hole led directly to the outside. I wonder if it was drafty.
This is the Privy Closet where Katherine Parr, Henry's sixth and last wife, married him in 1543. By the name you'd think it was a bathroom, too, but it wasn't; it was just a sitting room.
This young woman clad in an Anne Boleyn era dress told us that the costume is incredibly heavy and tiring to wear. But then throughout history, how much of women's fashion has been comfortable?
This beautiful chandelier dates from 1700 and was the first in England. It hangs in the King's Privy Chamber.
This ornamental handmade detail work is so intricate and beautiful.
People who know me know that I collect blue and white porcelain from England and Delftware from Holland. These pictures are from Mary II's Royal Collection.
I would have so loved to have one of these but couldn't figure out how to get it in my carry-on bag.
In the King's Guard Chamber, arms are arranged on the walls in decorative patterns.
Mary II's Bedchamber
Another bedchamber with the curtains drawn to prevent drafts
The King's Study. I wonder if this desk is where Henry sat to sign all the divorce and execution warrants for his "inconvenient" wives.
The King's Library - note the paucity of books. I guess all that skirt-chasing, drinking, eating and hunting didn't leave a lot of time for reading.
This is the Throne and Throne Canopy in the King's Privy Chamber. This room includes the chandelier mentioned earlier.
Another Throne Room
Another Throne Room
I leave it to you to decide which throne was the most sumptious, which the most useful. More next time.
No, Henry VIII would not have signed any "divorce papers" in the room you mention as Henry VIII private chambers at Hampton Court have been altered out of recognition.The room with the desk is much later. You seem to have a very one dimensional view about our great King Henry VIII as well!
ReplyDeleteI am inclined to agree; but then so few English people know their own history my friend... it's remarkable how visitors to the UK are, as a rule, more passionate about our heritage, even when they get it wrong, than we are!
ReplyDeleteBut I have to add in agreement that Henry VIII was a cultured and well read man, a true renaissance prince in fact...his later history, and a little Hollwood magic turned him into the nighmare of modern imagination!
hmmmm.....a 1700s chandelier hanging in Henry viii throne room.....?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the photos.
ReplyDelete