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The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of British History at Hampton Court
The popular and “scrupulous historian” (Daily Mail , London) Gareth Russell presents five hundred years of British history—from King Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth II—as seen through the doorways of the exquisite Hampton Court Palace .
Architecturally breathtaking and rich in splendid art and décor, Hampton Court Palace has been the stage of some of the most important events in British history, such as the commissioning of King James’s version of the Bible, the staging of many of Shakespeare’s plays, and Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation ball.
Accessible, engaging, and unputdownable, The Palace takes us into every room in the castle, revealing the ups and downs of royal history and illustrating what was at play politically, socially, and economically at the time. An engaging and charming history book that is perfect for fans of Alison Weir, Philippa Gregory, and Andrew Lownie, The Palace makes you feel as if you were in the room as history was made.
Architecturally breathtaking and rich in splendid art and décor, Hampton Court Palace has been the stage of some of the most important events in British history, such as the commissioning of King James’s version of the Bible, the staging of many of Shakespeare’s plays, and Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation ball.
Accessible, engaging, and unputdownable, The Palace takes us into every room in the castle, revealing the ups and downs of royal history and illustrating what was at play politically, socially, and economically at the time. An engaging and charming history book that is perfect for fans of Alison Weir, Philippa Gregory, and Andrew Lownie, The Palace makes you feel as if you were in the room as history was made.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published August 17, 2023
About the author
Gareth Russell
10 books274 followersGareth Russell is an historian and broadcaster. He is the author of "Young and Damned and Fair," "The Ship of Dreams" (A Daily Telegraph Best History Book, 2019), "Do Let's Have Another Drink" (A Times Book of the Year, 2022) and "The Palace" (Amazon Editor's Pick for Best New History, A Waterstones Best Book of 2023, BBC History Book of the Year, Town and Country Must-Read, an Aspects of History Best Book of 2023). He is the host of the podcast Single Malt History and divides his time between Belfast and London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
November 10, 2023
ROYALTY READS PROJECT 2023
10/2 I was not aware of the Royal family tradition that with all Royal weddings the bride’s bouquet is laid at the Unknown Warrior tomb even if they are wed at a different location, such as Lady Diana’s
or….wait for it…MM. I can’t even bring myself to use her full birth name anymore. Sorry Sugars, if one of you is reading this. I have two theories on this 1. She prob wished she had some ridiculous monstrosity of floral proportions so all would remember forever 2. She was pissed that everyone had done this waayyy before she was able. Ugh hot mess of a train wreck
9/23 so here is an example of how creepy eaten I am about the royal families
So King Charles I had a daughter who was the first British princess to have the title Princess Royal. So of course I’m sitting here under my electric throw listening to Jordan and McKay my favorite apostates thinking back in time…Charles, James, Elizabeth, nope, Mary, Edward, Henry, Henry, nope well what do you know? Huh never noticed that… I’m pretty sure I missed no one even if they weren’t all considered British exactly but I could keep going (yes I am aware they are listed in a dodgy manner)
9/22 I commented on something similar to this oddity in another book I read not too long ago. Robert Dudley’s wife is being called Amy Dudley. Which of course is correct, but I think I’m used to reading Amy Robsart. I’m almost certain that’s what I always see. Just threw me for a loop. Anyone else ever read Dudley? Tell me the book title please!
Sooo somehow I have the NG copy (about which I now remember being extremely excited )Annnd I think I may have an e-copy on iBooks yet I don’t remember buying that…but it’s sill on my list of to+buy a paper baby version. Which, yes, I will have three copies. But I didn’t do it on purpose. I found this series of what may be visitor guides or memento type books for major/more well known palaces in England so I want all of them as paper babies. I just think there are some books best in that format, some in audio, etc. my problem is trying to find exactly how many there are.
Royal reads project 2023
10/2 I was not aware of the Royal family tradition that with all Royal weddings the bride’s bouquet is laid at the Unknown Warrior tomb even if they are wed at a different location, such as Lady Diana’s
or….wait for it…MM. I can’t even bring myself to use her full birth name anymore. Sorry Sugars, if one of you is reading this. I have two theories on this 1. She prob wished she had some ridiculous monstrosity of floral proportions so all would remember forever 2. She was pissed that everyone had done this waayyy before she was able. Ugh hot mess of a train wreck
9/23 so here is an example of how creepy eaten I am about the royal families
So King Charles I had a daughter who was the first British princess to have the title Princess Royal. So of course I’m sitting here under my electric throw listening to Jordan and McKay my favorite apostates thinking back in time…Charles, James, Elizabeth, nope, Mary, Edward, Henry, Henry, nope well what do you know? Huh never noticed that… I’m pretty sure I missed no one even if they weren’t all considered British exactly but I could keep going (yes I am aware they are listed in a dodgy manner)
9/22 I commented on something similar to this oddity in another book I read not too long ago. Robert Dudley’s wife is being called Amy Dudley. Which of course is correct, but I think I’m used to reading Amy Robsart. I’m almost certain that’s what I always see. Just threw me for a loop. Anyone else ever read Dudley? Tell me the book title please!
Sooo somehow I have the NG copy (about which I now remember being extremely excited )Annnd I think I may have an e-copy on iBooks yet I don’t remember buying that…but it’s sill on my list of to+buy a paper baby version. Which, yes, I will have three copies. But I didn’t do it on purpose. I found this series of what may be visitor guides or memento type books for major/more well known palaces in England so I want all of them as paper babies. I just think there are some books best in that format, some in audio, etc. my problem is trying to find exactly how many there are.
Royal reads project 2023
November 22, 2023
This is a lovely and charming book about the history of Hampton Court Palace.I was very much impressed with just how much history it did indeed contain.While I think this was a very good thing I was hoping for more of a room by room history or a historical objects tour contained within the famous and infamous palace walls.There are some mentions of these but they were rather footnotes to the story as a whole.Over all I enjoyed it and I hope to see something else on this topic from the author in the future.
Much thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review
Much thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review
November 11, 2023
Scandals and chocolate. Who can ask for anything more? Gareth's Russell's The Palace looks at 500 years of Hampton Court and all of the very colorful characters who walked through its doors. There were quite a few and "colorful" might be putting it mildly.
There is a lot to love about this book and its scope includes the biggest names in British history. Russell is such a good writer that even chapters with less intrigue still hold your attention. I also especially enjoyed Russell's sincere attempts to balance historical perspective. There are not many who take the time to defend Mary I, and you have to appreciate an author who is dedicated to balance. Except Charles I, because what a mess that guy was.
My sole issue with The Palace is that I often found myself disappointed when chapter's ended. This is due to Russell's writing ability as I wanted him to dig more into most chapters. The book's focus on Hampton Court meant he needed to move on to keep with the through line of the book, but I was left wanting more in a bad way. It's not a minor criticism but it should in no way discourage someone from reading this book if you think it seems interesting. I still very much enjoyed it.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Atria Books.)
There is a lot to love about this book and its scope includes the biggest names in British history. Russell is such a good writer that even chapters with less intrigue still hold your attention. I also especially enjoyed Russell's sincere attempts to balance historical perspective. There are not many who take the time to defend Mary I, and you have to appreciate an author who is dedicated to balance. Except Charles I, because what a mess that guy was.
My sole issue with The Palace is that I often found myself disappointed when chapter's ended. This is due to Russell's writing ability as I wanted him to dig more into most chapters. The book's focus on Hampton Court meant he needed to move on to keep with the through line of the book, but I was left wanting more in a bad way. It's not a minor criticism but it should in no way discourage someone from reading this book if you think it seems interesting. I still very much enjoyed it.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Atria Books.)
September 11, 2023
Thank you to Gareth Russell and his publisher William Collins for sending me a review copy of Gareth’s book “The Palace”. I’m a huge Gareth Russell fan – his biography of Catherine Howard, Young and Damned and Fair, is one of my all-time favourite history books, and I can’t say enough good things about his book on the Titanic, The Ship of Dreams – so I was dying to read The Palace.
I was not disappointed, and now I have another all-time favourite history book!
I loved it. I loved every minute of reading it. It was a delight. I carried it around the house from room to room, enjoying five minutes here and there, well, perhaps more like 20 minutes, as I did chores or took a break from work. It felt like an indulgence reading it; it was such a treat.
Now, you might be forgiven for thinking this book on Hampton Court is going to be a dry read, that it’s going to be about the palace’s architectural history. Well, you’d be wrong. It’s not that at all. The palace is the setting; it’s the beautiful backdrop. As novelist Philippa Gregory says on the cover quote, “If a house could gossip, this is the book that Hampton Court would whisper”, and that’s so true. The building has seen so much history, so many people, so many lavish events, births, deaths, marriages, affairs, been a refuge for some, a place of sad memories for others, a home for many, from the very privileged to the lowliest servant. If only its walls could speak, and they really do in Gareth’s book.
In “The Palace”, Gareth takes us through the history of the palace, but it’s a social history; it’s told through the people who owned it, lived there or visited it. The prologue takes us back only to 1953 to a ball held at Hampton Court Palace for the new queen, Elizabeth II, 600 years after the first monarch, Edward III, had arrived at the palace. We’re then taken back to the very beginnings of the palace as a manor owned by the Knights to the Hospitaller before we have a wonderful journey through history, ending with a visit made to the palace in 2016 by the then Duchess of Cambridge.
I can’t believe how much history Gareth got through, and it was all done in such an entertaining, and at times poignant, way. So many people’s stories were told, and I particularly loved the stories of those who lived in the grace and favour accommodation at the palace, people who called it home and saw it very differently to its royal owners or the public visiting it. I loved little snippets like servants’ children getting into trouble in Victorian times for defacing works of art like those by Holbein and grace and favour children graffiti-ing no smoking signs and their parents having boozy picnics in the ground and nearly burning down centuries-old trees! Others having seances or complaining about the resident ghosts, and others like Michael Faraday and his wife just loving it as their home.
One poignant tale was that of the Unknown Warrior, whose tomb is, of course, found in Westminster Abbey. What I didn’t know was that his coffin was made from a royal tree, an oak from the Hampton Court Palace estate. “The Fallen Oak” was one of my favourite chapters, and I just loved how Gareth told the story of the Unknown Warrior.
I have visited Hampton Court Palace so many times, but the next time I go, I will view it with new eyes. I’ve only ever been interested in the Tudor bits before, but Gareth’s book has given me a new understanding of the palace’s history, a new appreciation for what later royals did to it, and I know as I wander around it, I will be transported back in time and probably find myself chuckling to myself as my mind conjures up some of the episodes from Gareth’s book, the bad behaviour of some of its residents.
I won’t share any more as I don’t want to spoil the book, but do put this one on your “to read” list. It’s a delight, it really is.
I was not disappointed, and now I have another all-time favourite history book!
I loved it. I loved every minute of reading it. It was a delight. I carried it around the house from room to room, enjoying five minutes here and there, well, perhaps more like 20 minutes, as I did chores or took a break from work. It felt like an indulgence reading it; it was such a treat.
Now, you might be forgiven for thinking this book on Hampton Court is going to be a dry read, that it’s going to be about the palace’s architectural history. Well, you’d be wrong. It’s not that at all. The palace is the setting; it’s the beautiful backdrop. As novelist Philippa Gregory says on the cover quote, “If a house could gossip, this is the book that Hampton Court would whisper”, and that’s so true. The building has seen so much history, so many people, so many lavish events, births, deaths, marriages, affairs, been a refuge for some, a place of sad memories for others, a home for many, from the very privileged to the lowliest servant. If only its walls could speak, and they really do in Gareth’s book.
In “The Palace”, Gareth takes us through the history of the palace, but it’s a social history; it’s told through the people who owned it, lived there or visited it. The prologue takes us back only to 1953 to a ball held at Hampton Court Palace for the new queen, Elizabeth II, 600 years after the first monarch, Edward III, had arrived at the palace. We’re then taken back to the very beginnings of the palace as a manor owned by the Knights to the Hospitaller before we have a wonderful journey through history, ending with a visit made to the palace in 2016 by the then Duchess of Cambridge.
I can’t believe how much history Gareth got through, and it was all done in such an entertaining, and at times poignant, way. So many people’s stories were told, and I particularly loved the stories of those who lived in the grace and favour accommodation at the palace, people who called it home and saw it very differently to its royal owners or the public visiting it. I loved little snippets like servants’ children getting into trouble in Victorian times for defacing works of art like those by Holbein and grace and favour children graffiti-ing no smoking signs and their parents having boozy picnics in the ground and nearly burning down centuries-old trees! Others having seances or complaining about the resident ghosts, and others like Michael Faraday and his wife just loving it as their home.
One poignant tale was that of the Unknown Warrior, whose tomb is, of course, found in Westminster Abbey. What I didn’t know was that his coffin was made from a royal tree, an oak from the Hampton Court Palace estate. “The Fallen Oak” was one of my favourite chapters, and I just loved how Gareth told the story of the Unknown Warrior.
I have visited Hampton Court Palace so many times, but the next time I go, I will view it with new eyes. I’ve only ever been interested in the Tudor bits before, but Gareth’s book has given me a new understanding of the palace’s history, a new appreciation for what later royals did to it, and I know as I wander around it, I will be transported back in time and probably find myself chuckling to myself as my mind conjures up some of the episodes from Gareth’s book, the bad behaviour of some of its residents.
I won’t share any more as I don’t want to spoil the book, but do put this one on your “to read” list. It’s a delight, it really is.
August 17, 2024
5 stars; exceptional book and narration. I learned so much from this, and I especially liked the connections and relevance that the author added all along the way. Kudos.
Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
March 5, 2024
The Palace by Gareth Russell reads like a who's who of people that have lived and walked through Hampton Palace. Whenever I travel, I love to visit historical sites. I am always wondering if these walls could talk what would they say? Or just simply trying to imagine what it was like to live in a place during a certain time. This book gives you that and more. You get biography not only the Palace but of the people and about events. It is not an architectural history but there are mentions on things destroyed, rebuilt, and preserved.
Thank you Netgalley for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I'd recommend to those interested in British History or enjoy books in microcosm. Would have loved to see more images added.
Thank you Netgalley for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I'd recommend to those interested in British History or enjoy books in microcosm. Would have loved to see more images added.
January 6, 2024
I guess if you wanted to know what this book is about it would help if the opening line of the book were something like: If the walls of Hampton Court could talk this book would contain all they had to say. In short this is the history of England as viewed from Hampton Court. The author warns that this is not an architectural history of HC though I personally would have found that interesting. Nevertheless, the author does treat the reader to a great deal of the deconstruction, reconstruction, additions, and major and minor remodeling of HC through the centuries and the whims of its royal residents. It is an interesting book but I think it would help a great deal if the reader was more than casually familiar with English history. What the author does in this book is to recount the historical events of England that had some involvement with HC or a resident of HC. As such then not every bit of English history involved this building and, in fact, some royals went out of their way to avoid the place. Apparently George II gave his grandson, George III (our Revolutionary king) a good thrashing when he was a boy at HC. This incident left such a negative impression of HC that George III decided never to live there. This being said the history is somewhat spotty and large gaps occur in the telling of English history from this perspective. Now what will get the attention of most readers is the thoroughly gossipy stuff the author relates about the residents, their guests, the staff, and anybody else that happened to wonder into HC and made an impression. The descriptions of events at this residence will give the reader of view of the mechanics and logistics of operating and maintaining HC as well as the life of English nobility during the various phases of history. What will also be learned is who was sleeping with who and why and bedroom escapades are completely laid bare (pardon the pun) for the reader. The gossip is quite juicy and knowing something about English history makes these revelations even juicier. Actually the gossip is far more interesting and informative than the actual history. This is an entertaining book that is marginally informative and occasionally amusing. Enjoy.
April 10, 2024
Absolutely addictive reading! Gareth Russell tells the story of this beautiful palace in such an interesting and unpretentious way that is refreshing and quite light-weight. Great for anyone who loves history, gossipy tidbits, miscellanea and everything in-between.
February 13, 2024
The Palace is a very informative and interesting historical account of the various parts of Hampton Court Palace, how and when they were built, and the people whose lives were intertwined with the building.
For me, this was a thoroughly researched, interesting account. Visiting Hampton Court was one of the highlights for me on my trip to England in 2018, and I am always curious to learn more about it. I especially enjoyed the fact that the author spent more time on the Stuart and Georgian (Hanoverian) kings and queens that lived in the palace, since I was more familiar with the Tudor aspect. Learning about James I, Charles the 1st and 2nd, James III and Mary II and Queen Anne among others was very enlightening for me, as well as finding out some of the modern people who lived there once part of the palace became grace and favour apartments.
Other than a few typos that I am sure have already been edited out, I had no issues whatever with this book. It was an entertaining read, and I would happily read any other historical books this author publishes. Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the advanced reader's copy. This is a voluntary review and all opinions expressed are my own.
For me, this was a thoroughly researched, interesting account. Visiting Hampton Court was one of the highlights for me on my trip to England in 2018, and I am always curious to learn more about it. I especially enjoyed the fact that the author spent more time on the Stuart and Georgian (Hanoverian) kings and queens that lived in the palace, since I was more familiar with the Tudor aspect. Learning about James I, Charles the 1st and 2nd, James III and Mary II and Queen Anne among others was very enlightening for me, as well as finding out some of the modern people who lived there once part of the palace became grace and favour apartments.
Other than a few typos that I am sure have already been edited out, I had no issues whatever with this book. It was an entertaining read, and I would happily read any other historical books this author publishes. Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the advanced reader's copy. This is a voluntary review and all opinions expressed are my own.
December 10, 2023
The Palace by Gareth Russell is an overview of the people and events of Hampton Court Palace and grounds over 500 years from King Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth II. Hampton Court is beautiful to behold and Russell's vivid imagery whisked me off into different eras in a nanosecond. It is easy to hear the rustling skirts, fervent gossipy whispers in the halls, kitchen pans clanging and busy tennis courts but this book is all sensory.
For me the most striking aspects are the ordinary details which contextually become extraordinary. Many highlights include Elizabeth II practicing for her coronation, effects of disfiguring smallpox, efficacy of rushes on floors, "the Sweat", amusement in the indoor bowling alley, Protestantism and Catholicism, origin of the King James Bible, daily lives and duties of staff, the Unknown Warrior and connection with Marshal Broz Tito.
Immerse yourself in The Palace and enjoy learning about the importance of time and place in British history.
My sincere thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing book. The above opinions are honest and solely mine.
For me the most striking aspects are the ordinary details which contextually become extraordinary. Many highlights include Elizabeth II practicing for her coronation, effects of disfiguring smallpox, efficacy of rushes on floors, "the Sweat", amusement in the indoor bowling alley, Protestantism and Catholicism, origin of the King James Bible, daily lives and duties of staff, the Unknown Warrior and connection with Marshal Broz Tito.
Immerse yourself in The Palace and enjoy learning about the importance of time and place in British history.
My sincere thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing book. The above opinions are honest and solely mine.
March 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I loved how Russell organized and formatted his book, as this palace holds a lot of history that has to be told in less than 400 pages. In each chapter, Russell focuses on one figure or moment in time and takes the time to talk about their intriguing stories and how it connects to Hampton Court. The next chapter then would move on a decade or so later. I felt satisfied with the amount of information provided, it was not too long or too short. I really did feel like I was traveling through time and experiencing the memories Hampton Court palace holds. I am so excited to travel and tour this palace during my upcoming trip to London!
February 8, 2024
This was a fun look at the history of Hampton Court through the years. I found the Tudor time period to be the most interesting, no surprise since that’s my fav. I would have loved a bit more about the castle itself vs the people in it, but it’s a really interesting read that I’d recommend to history lovers. The narration on the audio was fantastic but I also loved seeing the pictures included in the book.
March 28, 2024
An absolutely stunning portrait of the life and times of Hampton Court Palace and those who have lived in/loved/hated it. Russell kept me sufficiently hooked throughout each chapter which beautifully focused on specific rooms/areas of Hampton Court, as well as less well-known vignettes of the palace’s life.
Thanks to this book, I now miss my favorite place more than ever!
Thanks to this book, I now miss my favorite place more than ever!
January 24, 2024
I have visited Hampton Court Palace twice and this book was a beautiful tribute to a palace so central to British history. I loved how Russell chose to organize the book, as he walked through Hampton Court's history by profiling how the palace fit into the lives of royals during the Tudor, Stuart, Hanover, and Windsor reigns. It was a fascinating survey of hundreds of years of British history and I could not recommend this book more.
July 6, 2024
Fascinating history of the castle and its inhabitants!
April 28, 2024
Many moons ago I had the privilege to visit Hampton Court on a cold winter day that allowed me to enjoy it without large crowds.
I'll post a proper review eventually but for now suffice to say this book was like being reunited with an old friend :)
I'll post a proper review eventually but for now suffice to say this book was like being reunited with an old friend :)
August 19, 2024
Not quite what I was expecting (the quotes from Dan Jones and Philippa Gregory are doing a lot of heavy lifting in my opinion). This book combines the history of Hampton Court, with a little bit of its architecture, and a summary of some of the monarchs who were most notable in its history. It suffers from the fact that Hampton has never really been a main residence even for the Tudors, so the chapters are quite broad. I did learn a lot about Anne of Denmark which was intriguing and I’ll try and read more about her.
Want to read
March 25, 2024Dnf
Nothing wrong with it just not the type of books I read
Nothing wrong with it just not the type of books I read
January 18, 2024
A well-written read with many anecdotes and sometimes naughty stories of the people who have occupied Hampton Court Palace. While it was a light read, the book nonetheless provides an overview of the broad sweep of British history from Henry VIII to the present day.
January 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. My knowledge of the Tudor part was very high (like a lot of us), but the stories of all the other less royal people who lived in and worked in the palace were in truth far more fascinating.
August 14, 2023
I have never read a book about a place and its people that is quite as unique, innovative and beautifully written as this one. Russell has, of course, previously penned some of the most profoundly prepossessing works that I have had the pleasure of reading. ‘The Palace’, however, is undoubtedly his finest work to date.
Usually a book of this breadth requires something if a gallop through history, yet somehow Russell manages to cover an impressive amount of time with the most stately of glides. The detail here is as rich and colourful as the Abraham tapestries once were as they hung in Henry’s Great Hall. Hampton Court was, of course, a Tudor palace, and that part of its history is sumptuously explored. Yet Russell’s remarkable insights into its later history gave me a completely new insight into how Hampton Court evolved over the centuries and why. From chocolate kitchens, bibles, Romanov exiles, grace and favour existences, to the House of Windsor, this work is filled with the most delectable vignettes which take us to the heart of the Palace’s history. We are shown the live dynamic of the building, which is full of feeling and behaviour.
Russell has reignited Hampton Court’s candles, & the stories of its fascinating past inhabitants spring into sharp relief from the shadows. This is a rare gem of a book that is bound to delight its legion of readers. A triumph.
I would like to thank the author and publisher for the great honour of receiving an advance copy of this breathtaking work.
Usually a book of this breadth requires something if a gallop through history, yet somehow Russell manages to cover an impressive amount of time with the most stately of glides. The detail here is as rich and colourful as the Abraham tapestries once were as they hung in Henry’s Great Hall. Hampton Court was, of course, a Tudor palace, and that part of its history is sumptuously explored. Yet Russell’s remarkable insights into its later history gave me a completely new insight into how Hampton Court evolved over the centuries and why. From chocolate kitchens, bibles, Romanov exiles, grace and favour existences, to the House of Windsor, this work is filled with the most delectable vignettes which take us to the heart of the Palace’s history. We are shown the live dynamic of the building, which is full of feeling and behaviour.
Russell has reignited Hampton Court’s candles, & the stories of its fascinating past inhabitants spring into sharp relief from the shadows. This is a rare gem of a book that is bound to delight its legion of readers. A triumph.
I would like to thank the author and publisher for the great honour of receiving an advance copy of this breathtaking work.
July 22, 2024
My sister and I decided to buy this for each other for Christmas this year (2023). Her copy arrived here today. I am SO TEMPTED to start reading it but I won't. I'll wrap it and leave it be and wait for her to come over from France for a family wedding in December.
It's read! It's wonderful, if you like history. I knew I'd love it. I knew my sister would too!
It's read! It's wonderful, if you like history. I knew I'd love it. I knew my sister would too!
December 22, 2023
This was really disappointing. It was a smattering of random history and not about the palace in the way I had hoped. I thought it was going to be about the architecture and nuances of the structure. I only finished half as it was random and boring and not new in what was discussed.
November 26, 2023
When we think of old homes, we often think of the phrase, “If walls could talk,” because the true treasure of any home is not the floorboards or the walls, but rather the stories of those who lived inside its walls. Take, for example, Hampton Court Palace in England. A home for over 500 years that has seen many architectural and artistic changes in its hallowed halls, but it is the stories of those who stayed for brief periods that truly make this palace spectacular. Stories full of salacious scandals, religious implications, and revelations that would shake England to its core through revolutions. Hampton Court Palace has been the center of English court drama for centuries and finally, these tantalizing tales are being told in a truly remarkable book, “The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of British History at Hampton Court” by Gareth Russell.
I would like to thank Gareth Russell and Atria Books/Simon and Schuster, for sending me a copy of this book. I have enjoyed Russell’s previous biographies about The Queen Mother and Catherine Howard, so when I heard that he was writing a new book about Hampton Court Palace, I knew I wanted to read it.
Russell structures this book similarly to how he structured, “Do Let’s Have Another Drink” in that each chapter is a different tale from this palace’s half a century of history, which is a ton of historical fun to explore. He starts with a story of a ball attended by Elizabeth Windsor, soon to be Queen Elizabeth II, a few days before her coronation in 1953. Full of glitz and glamor, we soon transition to the origins of the land that Hampton Court Palace resides on and how the palace came to be after its humble beginnings as an estate for the Knights Hospitaller. It was not until the Wars of the Roses that the manor gained prominence under a favorite of Henry VII, Giles Daubeney, 1st Baron Daubeney.
By understanding how this phenomenal manor became a palatial palace, we can appreciate the stories that are the bulk of this book. Russell takes his readers through 500 years of English royal history, starting with the tumultuous Tudors, moving to the saucy Stuarts, the haughty Hanovers, the gossiping Georgians, and finishing with the worldly Windsors. Each chapter focuses on one character from each dynasty and one room of the palace.
While I was relatively well aware of the Tudor tales of Cardinal Wolsey, Catherine Howard’s run down the Haunted Gallery, and Mary I’s phantom pregnancies, it was the other dynasties that drew me into an engrossing book. The Stuarts especially shocked me with the colorful cast of characters who ranged from King James I with the King James Bible, Charles II and his many mistresses, and Oliver Cromwell. Russell shows the tragic moments, which included the death of several queens of England, the chaotic period known as the English Civil Wars, the creation of “The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior,” and the story of The Grand Duchess Xenia, the last living sister of Tsar Nicholas II. There are also stories full of art, scientific research, love, humor, and even chocolate and court life.
Russell’s narrative style of writing combined with his meticulous research has created another smash hit. I could not put this book down and I was very sad when I finished reading it, I did not want it to end. I don’t want to spoil much about this book, but it is my new favorite book by Gareth Russell. If you want a book full of fascinating history that you can binge-read, I highly suggest you read, “The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of British History at Hampton Court” by Gareth Russell.
I would like to thank Gareth Russell and Atria Books/Simon and Schuster, for sending me a copy of this book. I have enjoyed Russell’s previous biographies about The Queen Mother and Catherine Howard, so when I heard that he was writing a new book about Hampton Court Palace, I knew I wanted to read it.
Russell structures this book similarly to how he structured, “Do Let’s Have Another Drink” in that each chapter is a different tale from this palace’s half a century of history, which is a ton of historical fun to explore. He starts with a story of a ball attended by Elizabeth Windsor, soon to be Queen Elizabeth II, a few days before her coronation in 1953. Full of glitz and glamor, we soon transition to the origins of the land that Hampton Court Palace resides on and how the palace came to be after its humble beginnings as an estate for the Knights Hospitaller. It was not until the Wars of the Roses that the manor gained prominence under a favorite of Henry VII, Giles Daubeney, 1st Baron Daubeney.
By understanding how this phenomenal manor became a palatial palace, we can appreciate the stories that are the bulk of this book. Russell takes his readers through 500 years of English royal history, starting with the tumultuous Tudors, moving to the saucy Stuarts, the haughty Hanovers, the gossiping Georgians, and finishing with the worldly Windsors. Each chapter focuses on one character from each dynasty and one room of the palace.
While I was relatively well aware of the Tudor tales of Cardinal Wolsey, Catherine Howard’s run down the Haunted Gallery, and Mary I’s phantom pregnancies, it was the other dynasties that drew me into an engrossing book. The Stuarts especially shocked me with the colorful cast of characters who ranged from King James I with the King James Bible, Charles II and his many mistresses, and Oliver Cromwell. Russell shows the tragic moments, which included the death of several queens of England, the chaotic period known as the English Civil Wars, the creation of “The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior,” and the story of The Grand Duchess Xenia, the last living sister of Tsar Nicholas II. There are also stories full of art, scientific research, love, humor, and even chocolate and court life.
Russell’s narrative style of writing combined with his meticulous research has created another smash hit. I could not put this book down and I was very sad when I finished reading it, I did not want it to end. I don’t want to spoil much about this book, but it is my new favorite book by Gareth Russell. If you want a book full of fascinating history that you can binge-read, I highly suggest you read, “The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of British History at Hampton Court” by Gareth Russell.
December 5, 2023
I want to thank Netgalley and Atria Books for an uncorrected proof of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have followed Russell's work for a while now and when I heard that he had written a new book I knew that I had to obtain a copy. Russell once again has written a gem of a book!
Russell's ability to make the melodrama of history come alive throughout this book makes every chapter feel like you are actively observing the events being discussed. Whether it is sitting with Margaret Douglas trying to understand the events unfolding around Catherine Howard's downfall, working in the chocolatier house, or learning of the Prince and Princess of Wales running away in the middle of the night you are completely transported as the reader. Russell also has this brilliant ability to make the individuals he highlights throughout the book as complicated and as vibrant as they no doubt were when they were alive.
This book highlights the 500-year history of Hampton Court throughout the Tudor, Stuart, Hanover, and Windsor periods. Although the entire book is interesting my favorite section was the one focusing on the Stuarts. I had no idea that Hampton Court played such a central role in the Stuarts' reigns. The focus on Henrietta Maria and Catherine of Braganza in particular was my favorite part of the book. These two women played such a major role in the events of the period and their connection to Hampton Court was both fascinating and heartbreaking.
I also really liked how the connections between Ireland and to a lesser extent Scotland and Wales were interwoven into the stories discussed throughout the book. Particularly, the figures of James Butler and Barnaby Fitzpatrick during the Tudor era and the events in Ireland that impacted Henrietta Maria's popularity. Although Hampton Court was located in England, Russell did an excellent job of highlighting how the location impacted political events across the United Kingdom & Ireland.
The way that the drama of the monarchy was outlined from the perspective of a single location was such a refreshing way to learn history. Russell is a master of history prose and if you are a lover of the United Kingdom's history or history more generally this book is sure to be one you'll love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Alcohol, Religious bigotry, Infidelity, War, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Infertility, Classism, Chronic illness, Cancer, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Slavery
I have followed Russell's work for a while now and when I heard that he had written a new book I knew that I had to obtain a copy. Russell once again has written a gem of a book!
Russell's ability to make the melodrama of history come alive throughout this book makes every chapter feel like you are actively observing the events being discussed. Whether it is sitting with Margaret Douglas trying to understand the events unfolding around Catherine Howard's downfall, working in the chocolatier house, or learning of the Prince and Princess of Wales running away in the middle of the night you are completely transported as the reader. Russell also has this brilliant ability to make the individuals he highlights throughout the book as complicated and as vibrant as they no doubt were when they were alive.
This book highlights the 500-year history of Hampton Court throughout the Tudor, Stuart, Hanover, and Windsor periods. Although the entire book is interesting my favorite section was the one focusing on the Stuarts. I had no idea that Hampton Court played such a central role in the Stuarts' reigns. The focus on Henrietta Maria and Catherine of Braganza in particular was my favorite part of the book. These two women played such a major role in the events of the period and their connection to Hampton Court was both fascinating and heartbreaking.
I also really liked how the connections between Ireland and to a lesser extent Scotland and Wales were interwoven into the stories discussed throughout the book. Particularly, the figures of James Butler and Barnaby Fitzpatrick during the Tudor era and the events in Ireland that impacted Henrietta Maria's popularity. Although Hampton Court was located in England, Russell did an excellent job of highlighting how the location impacted political events across the United Kingdom & Ireland.
The way that the drama of the monarchy was outlined from the perspective of a single location was such a refreshing way to learn history. Russell is a master of history prose and if you are a lover of the United Kingdom's history or history more generally this book is sure to be one you'll love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Alcohol, Religious bigotry, Infidelity, War, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Infertility, Classism, Chronic illness, Cancer, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Slavery
January 25, 2024
I loved this book and it was so incredibly researched and written. You could tell that this author has so much love and fascination in Hampton Court Palace through all of the meticulous details he included in these pages.
Hampton Court was largely used by the Tudors, and that was my main purpose for picking it up. I'm so fascinated by Tudor England and all the tomfoolery and pretty horrible things that occurred during that period. Unlike other more well-known Royal Family homes like Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, etc., Hampton Court is less known and less used, despite it playing such a pivotal role in history.
Anglicanism was essentially born there, which I had never known. I loved that this author meticulously followed the lives of all the smaller characters in the monarch's lives. He never focused too much on the big players such as King Henry VIII (because f him) and it was so interesting to see how less popular aristocrats and British subjects played large roles in forming history. Something else that this book solidified for me was that England has really been screwing Ireland over for hundreds of years...justice for Ireland.
I loved this book mostly because it felt like watching an old English version of a Bravo show. There was so much DRAMAAA back then and the members of the monarchy were petty af. Essentially, everyone was having affairs and like...with EVERYONE. The kings and queens were always cheating on each other and having numbers of illegitimate children, who sometimes would reappear and vie for the crown. It was awesome. And there's murder, deception, and political and religious strife incorporated into all of this drama too, of course.
I wish there had been more chapters about the Windsor Family in this book, as I was really looking forward to reading about them. However, it makes sense that their part of this book was the shortest because they really have not used Hampton Court as much as their predecessors. My favorite parts of the book were actually the chapters following the Stuart and Hanover families, of whom I knew the least.
This book does not give an overarching view of British history, but only of how it was formed in Hampton Court. I'd highly recommend it to anyone interested in the British monarchy and its history, but it is definitely more niche since it pertains to such a specific, and often overlooked, place.
Hampton Court was largely used by the Tudors, and that was my main purpose for picking it up. I'm so fascinated by Tudor England and all the tomfoolery and pretty horrible things that occurred during that period. Unlike other more well-known Royal Family homes like Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, etc., Hampton Court is less known and less used, despite it playing such a pivotal role in history.
Anglicanism was essentially born there, which I had never known. I loved that this author meticulously followed the lives of all the smaller characters in the monarch's lives. He never focused too much on the big players such as King Henry VIII (because f him) and it was so interesting to see how less popular aristocrats and British subjects played large roles in forming history. Something else that this book solidified for me was that England has really been screwing Ireland over for hundreds of years...justice for Ireland.
I loved this book mostly because it felt like watching an old English version of a Bravo show. There was so much DRAMAAA back then and the members of the monarchy were petty af. Essentially, everyone was having affairs and like...with EVERYONE. The kings and queens were always cheating on each other and having numbers of illegitimate children, who sometimes would reappear and vie for the crown. It was awesome. And there's murder, deception, and political and religious strife incorporated into all of this drama too, of course.
I wish there had been more chapters about the Windsor Family in this book, as I was really looking forward to reading about them. However, it makes sense that their part of this book was the shortest because they really have not used Hampton Court as much as their predecessors. My favorite parts of the book were actually the chapters following the Stuart and Hanover families, of whom I knew the least.
This book does not give an overarching view of British history, but only of how it was formed in Hampton Court. I'd highly recommend it to anyone interested in the British monarchy and its history, but it is definitely more niche since it pertains to such a specific, and often overlooked, place.
October 23, 2023
I received this as an ARC from Netgalley.com.
First line: As it has done for centuries, Hampton Court Palace draws thousands of visitors every year – as far back as the reign of Elizabeth I, staff were supplementing their incomes by offering tours to visitors, and the fascination shows no signs of dwindling.
Summary: Gareth Russell’s new book looks at the important events and people who resided at Hampton Court Palace from the age of the Tudors until the present day royal family. This royal palace has seen many of the most thrilling times and stood the test of revolutions, regime changes and remodeling. It is one of the most famous and long standing palaces in England, which the author shows us through this new book.
My Thoughts: I have visited Hampton Court three times in my life and hope to go many more times. There is something magical about this place and its history. As you approach there is the wonderful Tudor brick entrance, the courtyards, the great hall and the original kitchen complex. But as you move through the styles change to the remodeled section designed by Christopher Wren. It truly is a wonder to see and imagine the lives that have lived here.
I enjoyed how the author broke down the book into chapters covering the palace during each of the reigns since the days of Henry VIII to the present day. Rather than cover architectural history the author dives into the events and people who lived and worked at the palace. The early years are the ones I am more familiar with but I found the information of the Stuart and Georgian times to be fascinating. Plus the idea that people were given Grace and Favor apartments is such an interesting idea. I would have loved to live in such a historical building.
I highly recommend this for lovers of English history and if you have been or are planning to visit Hampton Court.
First line: As it has done for centuries, Hampton Court Palace draws thousands of visitors every year – as far back as the reign of Elizabeth I, staff were supplementing their incomes by offering tours to visitors, and the fascination shows no signs of dwindling.
Summary: Gareth Russell’s new book looks at the important events and people who resided at Hampton Court Palace from the age of the Tudors until the present day royal family. This royal palace has seen many of the most thrilling times and stood the test of revolutions, regime changes and remodeling. It is one of the most famous and long standing palaces in England, which the author shows us through this new book.
My Thoughts: I have visited Hampton Court three times in my life and hope to go many more times. There is something magical about this place and its history. As you approach there is the wonderful Tudor brick entrance, the courtyards, the great hall and the original kitchen complex. But as you move through the styles change to the remodeled section designed by Christopher Wren. It truly is a wonder to see and imagine the lives that have lived here.
I enjoyed how the author broke down the book into chapters covering the palace during each of the reigns since the days of Henry VIII to the present day. Rather than cover architectural history the author dives into the events and people who lived and worked at the palace. The early years are the ones I am more familiar with but I found the information of the Stuart and Georgian times to be fascinating. Plus the idea that people were given Grace and Favor apartments is such an interesting idea. I would have loved to live in such a historical building.
I highly recommend this for lovers of English history and if you have been or are planning to visit Hampton Court.
October 18, 2023
Some years ago, I visited Hampton Court Palace on a trip to London and ever since, I have been curious to know more about the history of the palace and some of its occupants. This book fulfilled my quest. I had previously turned to some historical fiction from respected authors like Alison Weir, Hilary Mantel, and Conn Iggulden but as much as I enjoyed their novels, I actually wanted more history, just not enough to pour through huge history tomes. Gareth Russell presents this concise (under 500 pages) history debunking some myths or rumors and highlighting some lesser know details. This is not a history of the architecture of the palace, though he mentions some additions built by various monarchs, changes to kitchen, or gardens, in passing; this is a history of the infamous and not-so-famous people who have peopled Hampton Court. The history also shows how the palace was used by its various owners or lessees. The occupants from Thomas Wolsey to several of the wives of Henry VIII to William of Orange and Thomas Cromwell all mentioned briefly in most guidebooks to the palace are given the attention they deserve. This is a well-researched and very readable history for anyone who wants to learn more about this very historic building's place in British history or anyone who wants a deeper, non-fiction look at what they have touched on in their fictional reads.
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Atria Books) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Atria Books) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
December 5, 2023
This was a very well-written book, and clearly a lot of research went into it! Covering 500 years of history in less than 500 pages (I think, I read the e-reader version) is quite a feat. I particularly liked the chapters that focused on the history of the building changes and what you can see vs what was torn down- so William and Mary (not my favorite history time period) ended up being my favorite chapter because Russell did such a great job explaining how they started tearing down the palace to rebuild it and how they stopped (thankfully!) when they ran out of money. That did such a great job of explaining what I'd seen when I visited! I also loved the chapter on the Chocolate Kitchens, and the transition to tourist attraction by Victoria and Albert was interesting, and I would have liked to learn a bit more there. I wish more of the book had been like that, explaining how the different rooms reflected specific instances of history, or had been affected by the current monarchs- I had hoped for lots about Henry VIII and details about his building projects, but it didn't feel like we got a lot of details on those.
The history of the people was interesting (though this often seemed to go into tangents separate from what was happening at Hampton Court), and a history of the people as seen through Hampton Court's 'eyes' is an interesting idea. Overall, the book was ok, and worth reading, but wasn't quite what I'd been hoping for.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The history of the people was interesting (though this often seemed to go into tangents separate from what was happening at Hampton Court), and a history of the people as seen through Hampton Court's 'eyes' is an interesting idea. Overall, the book was ok, and worth reading, but wasn't quite what I'd been hoping for.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 10, 2024
I honestly did not like the organization and structure of this book at all. The writing style was fine (if dry) and there was clearly a lot of research and good information in the book. However, this book was clearly just a way for the author to talk about the specific points of British history that he was interested in. The beginning had a chapter for each king/queen and by the end he was skipping entire generations at a time. He used Hampton Court as the going-off-point to talk about more in-depth British history, most of which was no related to Hampton Court at all. The entire book just felt like he had a lot of different interests and needed a central topic to write a book about. A lot of the chapters used random people as the basis which, while interesting in some cases, didn't seem to matter much. I found myself wanting to get back to the "important" figures (the kings/queens) because it was much more interesting. A lot of the early chapters were weirdly Catholic (trying to anachronistically attach Catholicism to certain historical figures), and religion was clearly one of the subjects the author was interested in. The book was not comprehensive enough for a beginner in history (again, picking and choosing what to include in the book) but also not in-depth enough for someone who already knows about British history. This was not "500 years of British history at Hampton Court", it was cherry-picking historical anecdotes from a period of 500 years and arbitrarily assigning them to an area of Hampton Court. 2 stars because the info was still good.
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