About the exhibition

Visit this fascinating permanent exhibition exploring the stereotypes that have over shadowed the true characters and stories of Henry VIII, Cardinal Wolsey and Katherine of Aragon for centuries.

Henry VIII – Fat, tyrannical and vicious, and married six times. That is not the story you will hear at this exhibition. In its place, we offer you a personal story of three people: Katherine of Aragon, Henry’s wife for over 20 years; Thomas Wolsey, his chief minister and trusted ally, and ‘the lusty and courageous Prince’ – young Henry himself.

You will be surprised and moved as you discover the stories in this new permanent exhibition.

Historic paintings from the Royal Collection, together with audio-visual and hands-on displays, will help you explore and discover a very different King Henry VIII.

This re-presentation of the Wolsey rooms is the first in a series of events that will culminate in 2009 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Henry’s accession to the throne. Last year, Historic Royal Palaces began an ambitious four-year programme to re-present the Tudor parts of Hampton Court and to open up previously hidden parts of the palace. Our ambition is to make the palace the place to come and learn about Henry VIII in 2009 – and beyond. 

c Portrait of Young Henry VIII by Joos van Cleve: The Royal Collection 2007. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Katherine of Aragon: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. Cardinal Wolsey: National Portrait Gallery, London.