It is becoming more and more evident that I should have been born a princess.
I am absolutely and utterly obsessed with castles and the sordid history of royals past…it is all consuming.
I am bewitched by the tales of King Henry VIII and the saga of his SIX wives.
I watched the Showtime series “The Tudors” like it was my job, and have also read several books about Ann Boleyn and Henry VIII… never tiring of the story.
A few weeks ago, I actually got to visit Hampton Court.
My eyes were operating on overdrive and my tiny little heart just fluttered away inside my chest as we strolled around the Palace.
Hampton Court is infinitely beautiful.
I have this fixation with windows.
It is difficult to comprehend fully that Catherine of Aragon looked out of these very same windows.
Unaware of the turmoil she faced…
That her King would lust after Anne Boleyn so much…going to the most desperate of lengths to possess her.
And that this beguiling woman would become his new Queen, only to be cast aside and sentenced to death when she could not provide an heir and gossip prevailed…
The sheer scale of Hampton Court…
The soaring ceilings….
The exquisite frescos, super-saturated with color…
What hands have opened these doors? To what end?
Grandiose rooms…
Ghosts that have left their mark…
Crystal chandeliers and marble staircases…
Massive kitchens…
What horrors have been seen by these mirrors? What secrets?
How can we process all of this beauty?
Gardens that bring tears to your eyes…or MY eyes at least…
Bask in the majesty…
The tiny details…
I really should be sauntering around in a mammoth gown right now…dripping in gems…
Surrounded by so much magic…
The air is electrified…
There is this immense feeling that you are being watched…
And I’ve never been happier…
I have the same obsession with palaces and castles…I have to go to them everywhere I go. It’s something I really love about living in Europe.
Your pictures are stunning, you obviously got good weather. Surprising for the UK! Hampton Court is gorgeous I especially like the spotted leopard
Sometimes the weather here is horrid and then ten minutes later you are looking at the bluest sky and the daintiest little clouds! It’s fabulous!
I completely agree with you about the mystery of these old places- I always wonder who has been there before and what fantastic events have happened within the walls.
thank you for sharing your photos- Hampton court is now on my “must visit” list!
It really is an absolute vision!
Hi, I discovered our blog from the freshly pressed page, and I am loving all your photos! I recently read (well, listened to the audiobook) Innocent Traitor about Lady Jane Grey. I think it’s the first book about that time period that I’ve ever read and it was so fascinating. It’s great to actually see photos of the places you read about.
Thank you so much for reading! I’m glad you are enjoying it! I leave for Italy tomorrow, so the journey continues! Stay tuned!
WOW! This is the place ( castle) i always wanted to see but never had a time to do it. Now after your beautiful photos i must find the time…the place looks amazing…
I too love all things Tudor!! You took some beautiful pictures thanks for sharing. This past summer my hubby fed my obsession by taking me to Hatfield House, he’s a very patient man.
I love Hampton Court great Photos I also have a Blog royalty News I think yo might and enjoy
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So gorgeous! Love your photos!
Like you, I also have a deep obsession with all things Tudors. I love these pictures, they are utterly beautiful. I adore your shots and your post-processing. You clearly have an eye!
I love the Tudors!!! how cool u saw all this!!