Press Release: Historic Royal Palaces
January 17, 2002
LONDON -- The spectacularly breathtaking Privy Garden at Hampton Court Palace celebrates its 300th anniversary
during 2002.
Privy or private gardens became popular at the royal palaces in the mid- sixteenth century as they provided the
Sovereign with security and privacy away from their affairs of the state. Creation of the first Privy Garden began
at Hampton Court Palace with Henry VIII. In 1529, the King began to establish Hampton Court as a showplace for
English gardening. It took nearly eight years to establish the structure of the garden; but it was not until 1702,
under the reign of William and Mary, that the garden reached its most magnificent state.
Even in all their splendor, for well over 200 years the majestic garden laid a secret beneath the soil -- overgrown
and unmaintained. It was not until the early 1990s that the garden was restored to its former glory. Today, after
the most ambitious garden reconstruction ever undertaken, guests may once again bask in the garden's ultimate beauty.
Privy Garden at Hampton Court Palace is more than just flowers, statues, fountains, and designs, it is a retreat
for those seeking a few moments in a simpler place, where all that matters is nature and beauty -- a place where
all life's complications can be left outside.
Historic Royal Palaces is a registered charity, which is responsible for the care and conservation of: The Tower
of London, Hampton Court Palace, The State Apartments and Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Kensington Palace,
The Banqueting House at Whitehall, and Kew Palace with Queen Charlotte's Cottage.
For more information on these London landmarks and other special events, please access Historic Royal Palaces'
web site at: www.hrp.org.uk. To purchase retail items related to Historic Royal
Palaces online, access www.museumshop.com.
SOURCE: Historic Royal Palaces