For over 300 years, kings, courtiers and tourists alike have pounded the pathways of Hampton Court's world-famous Maze in search of what might lie at its centre…. but three centuries of exploration and millions of footsteps have taken their toll on the winding corridors of this historic landmark. A special project that takes the Maze back to its hornbeam roots and has led to the commissioning of an innovative art installation has been undertaken making it once again fit for a king!

Historic hornbeam
The world-famous trapezoidal Maze is the only surviving part of a vast network of paths and labyrinths that made up William III's 'Wilderness Garden'. It is the oldest surviving hedge maze still in use. Originally planted with hornbeam from the Netherlands in around 1700, it was a place for courtiers to escape the politics of palace life, losing themselves in its enchanting labyrinths. In the 1960s, however, the original hedging was completely replaced with yew.

As part of a strategy to restore the historic horticultural layout of the palace gardens, hornbeam has now been reintroduced to the centre of the Maze after a 40-year absence. The trial planting will enable us to assess the suitability of the hornbeam species and how it stands up to modern day wear and tear. We will then have the opportunity to consider reintroducing hornbeam to the Maze on a wider basis in the future.

Trace sound installation 
Since May 2005, giggling children and scuttling feet have not been the only sounds reverberating through the hedges of the Maze - the final stage of the project was a new audio installation. Entitled Trace, this permanent art installation has been created by internationally renowned sound artists Greyworld, commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces through the Artpoint Trust.

Drawing on the idea of the historic maze as a place of furtive conversation and flirtation, Greyworld have created a gentle soundwork that affects the visitors' experience of their journey through the labyrinth. Visitors will be enticed along the green corridors, tempted by tantalising sounds - a fragment of music, a snatch of laughter, the seductive rustle of fine silks and the whispers of an illicit conversation - that will disappear around the winding paths.

At the centre of the Maze, touch-sensitive benches also create subtle sounds as visitors sit to relax and contemplate their journey into - and their strategy to find their way out of - the Maze! Over a thousand self-generating sounds have been incorporated into the Maze ensuring the visitor will never experience the work in the same way twice.