Features

• Working 18th-century chamber organ
• Britain’s smallest royal palace – a domestic and intimate space 
• Looks out onto the Great Lawn and across to the Orangery

A little history of the space…

Nearly four hundred years ago, this was the great hall of Samuel Fortrey’s house, and his magnificent plaster strapwork decoration survives over the inner door. Fortrey’s country villa then became a royal palace in the 18th century.

Kew Palace was intricately bound up with the turbulent times around George III’s illness. It was in this room that the King’s doctors cornered him and placed him under restraint when it was believed he was mad.

This hall was also the dining room used by King George III and his family. The King often entertained the leading lights of the arts and sciences to intimate dinners. But the meals he ate with his family here were simple and hearty rather than rich and extravagant.

A very British dinner - smoked salmon, venison, sponge cake - was served here on Friday 21 April 2006, for the 80th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.