Explore Hampton Court Palace: Souvenir Guidebook

by Brett Dolman, Sebastian Edwards, Sarah Kilby (Editor)

Explore Hampton Court Palace: Souvenir Guidebook [Paperback] Brett Dolman (Author), Sebastian Edwards (Author), et al. (Author), Sarah Kilby (Editor), Clare Murphy (Editor), Stephen Conlin (Illustrator), Tim Archbold (Illustrator

Genres: History, Travel, Nonfiction, Tudor Period, Guidebook

76 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Brett Dolman is an historian and art historian, specialising in the material culture and political history of the English court from the 16th to the 18th centuries. He is Curator of Collections at Historic Royal Palaces, based at Hampton Court, and has curated exhibitions there on Henry VIII, Tudor portraiture, Shakespeare at the court of James I, and, most recently, ‘The Wild, the Beautiful and the Damned’ – an exploration of beauty and debauchery at the late Stuart court told through the portraits and personalities that enlivened the late 17th century. Brett has also written and published on these themes, on the wider history of royal palaces, and specifically on the decorative painting of the Baroque period that covered the walls and ceilings of grand houses with fabulous tails of gods and goddesses and self-important statements of triumphal power.

Reviews

[Redfox5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this why I was walking around, I feel like I missed loads! This is a great guide to Hampton Court. It's filled with stunning photos and filled with interesting history. It gives you tips for tours(which I wish I had followed!) but also would be good to have at home incase you wanted to look up information. Mine also smells like biscuits which is always a bonus!

[Arto Mutka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved visiting Hampton Court Palace about a month ago ...so much history there. I love Tudor history and particularly the fascinating reign of King Henry the VIII and in this palace Henry loved with each of his six wives and three children.

Rooms are still decorated as was in Henry the VIII's time. Some were updated by subsequent monarchs but some still same as when Henry the VIII lived here.

This guidebook is a great summary of this great Palace and the historical significance and treasures within.

well written and researched and great photos.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend ordering this excellent and surprisingly, very entertaining guidebook *before* your visit to Hampton Court and not at the gift shop during the visit! This book maps out some self-guided tours and gives information regarding ticketed tours. There is an interesting section on HC trivia (staff spends 33 hrs/yr peeling chewing gum off the floors) and copious information about Henry VIII and other monarchs who enjoyed HC.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought guidebooks (basically mini history books!) from every historical site I visited while in the UK, and I'm so glad I did because it's so fun to read them back at home and not only reminisce on what I saw in person, but learn even more than I could during my visit! I was mostly interested in Hampton Court due to its connection to Henry VIII and the childhood of Elizabeth I - so I especially enjoyed the portion of this book that detailed more of that history. Also, learning about the more modern day grace & favorite apartments and residents was fascinating! I want to research more!

[Charles Hartzog · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are remarkably exquisite and beautiful designs! I hope to learn to design like it.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect guide book to understand the history of Hampton Court Palace. Perfect for as you walk around and to reread as you remember your day out.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes you want to go back to Hampton Court to check out all the little things you missed.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have like to have seen more of this guide dedicated to the Tudor section of the palace, but overall this is very detailed and interesting.

[Tara van Beurden · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I went to London in 2009 (a ‘stopover’ when I went to Dubai – it’s cheaper to fly Brisbane to London and stop in Dubai, then it is to just fly Brisbane to Dubai return – go figure!), I really wanted to go to Hampton Court Palace because it was the 500 year anniversary of King Henry VIII’s ascension to the throne (King Henry VIII is my favourite historical figure ever – I can’t explain why, I just love him). But we were only there three days, and my mum felt going to the Tower of London was enough. So when I moved to London temporarily in 2012, I made a beeline for Hampton Court Palace (after a second visit to Tower of London, of course!). It’s a very cool place – very beautiful, and if you’re really lucky, you will find a gentleman dressed up as Henry himself (I got a picture with him!!). This guide book provides highlights of the key attractions of this famous historical palace. I highly recommend a visit!

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

c2013. I was surprised that this souvenir guidebook had its own ISBN number. Purchased because I know that trying to visit a well known tourist site is sometimes useless without the accompanying book. But in this case, I think it was somewhat redundant. Some great pictures and additional historical background but in trying to be all things to all people have made it somewhat milquetoasty. However, some of the normal crew have pronounced it as extremely interesting and they had not visited the actual Palace.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's taken me awhile but I've finished!

I'm one to stop and read all the placards st a tourist site so much of the information in the book I had read along the way of touring Hampton Court BUT I did learn many other bits of history from the book that was fascinating. Very good book

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guide to Hampton Court Palace provides you with even more information about the history of one of the worlds most iconic royal residences. Full of history and interesting information I found this guide really interesting.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good guidebook for reading during and after your visit to Hampton Court. The book, however, does seem to spend a lot of time on paintings.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight. Worth the price.