Search Historic Royal Palaces

Young Henry VIII exhibition

New exhibition

Come to Hampton Court Palace and meet the 'pin-up' prince before he became fat old Henry VIII.

Open daily
Entry included with palace ticket

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.

Further Information

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.

Find out more

Articles related to Young Henry VIII and Hampton Court Palace:

What's on

Hampton Court admission

Buy your tickets in advance online to beat the queues.

Tudor Kings & Queens chess pieces (hand painted)

King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, together with Archbishop Cranmer and other characters of the Tudor period, are used to form a most attractive and interesting chess set. This richly gilded and decorated set brings alive the colours and fashion styles of the period. Chess was played by the Tudors and this set would most certainly have found favour with some very discriminating players! The knight, castle and pawn are modelled on 15th-century noblemen, while the king, queen and archbishop are based on Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Thomas Crammer respectively. This hand decorated set reveals the authentic detail in each piece. King height 10.5cm. Board not included but can be purchased separately. Made in England.