Monday, July 29, 2013

Part Two - Something Old Something New

Something Old

Hampton Court Palace was built for Cardinal Wolsey around 1514.  When he fell out of favor, King Henry VIII claimed the property and greatly enlarged it.

In the following century, King William II began a massive rebuilding and expansion project intended to rival Versailles. Work stopped in 1694 (lack of money) and left the palace in two distinct contrasting architectural styles, domestic Tudor and Baroque.

There are shields and emblems and signs of ownership everywhere.

One of the most impressive rooms is the Tudor Great Hall.  This photo does not begin to do the ornate ceiling justice.


Maybe this montage of photos of the Tudor rooms will better show their earthy elegance.

I can't say that ornament displays of weapons do much for me. 

We toured King William III's apartments.

This is the King's Privy Chamber - not very private is it?

I preferred the more modest rooms like the King's Private Writing Room.

Can you imagine sleeping in the King's Great Bed Chamber?

This is another modest room - used for playing board games.

King William III's dining room was also surprisingly modest.

I had fun looking for emblems and insignias and the like.  Everyone left their mark.  The bottom left has the entwined initials of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.  There are also some reminders of the former residents of the "Grace and Favour" apartments.  

After spending the day immersed in "Something Old" it was time to try "Something New".
Here's the Something New!

I ended the day by taking a trip across the Thames on the Emirate Air Line.  The gondolas climb up to an elevation of 300 feet over the river at the highest point of the flight.

I was in a car all by myself as my mother declined to take part on this adventure.  I must confess to clutching the seat a bit and chanting to myself - no sure what I said!  There were certainly some amazing views though when I could pry my eyes open and look around.

15 comments:

Ann at Beadlework. said...

I'm with your mum on this one, no way would you get me up there. I've just been catching up - how did I miss your posts below.

Melissa said...

Wow, that's really cool. I can understand why it would be scary though - but you did it. Thanks for the photos!

Barb said...

I felt a bit like you when we did the gondolas at Whistler last summer. But you did get some beautiful photos of London.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

You are so brave--I have a terrible fear of heights and would have to have had a sedative before that ride.

Margaret said...

Wow! I didn't know that even existed! Great views for sure!

cucki said...

Wow you are so brave :)
Great view
Love and hugs x

Chris said...

Brave girl! I know the views made it worth it.

Giovanna said...

London's skyline has changed so much since I spent my summers there in the early 1980s... I wish there had been an Air Line back then :-) Great shots.

Vickie said...

I am not sure I could have done it either Beth. Good for you!

Melanie said...

Oooo, that would make my stomach all flippity-floppy for sure.

Mouse said...

love the rooms .. and a Privy chamber me thinks is for private conversations ...lol ...
and way to go girl in getting in the gondola ....and for getting such gorgeous shots too :) love mouse xxxxx

Annette-California said...

Ah Beth! You are an adventurer for sure- and BRAVE!!! I didn't know the gondola lines existed either. How are your hands from the clutching? Lovely tour of Hampton Court Palace? I've not seen any of the photos of it before.
love Annette

Chris said...

Thanks for taking me along. Hampton Court is so amazing. I think even though you have been before you see different things. Some of that is based on where you are now in life and what you have learned and new interests. :)

Melanie said...

So glad I came back to get the updated post. Very nice!! Glad you got to there. :)

Andrea said...

Hampton Court looks fantastic. I think I would of declined the sky-ride too.