Running the palaces


Behind the scenes, keeping a palace running smoothly was quite an operation. For centuries, hundreds of people have welcomed visitors, looked after the buildings and managed the money.
Conservator moving stone bust
  1. Welcoming visitors
    What and who greeted the 16th century palace visitor?
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  2. Servants
    Daily life for household staff wasn't easy.
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  3. Repairing the fabric
    Who helps the palaces look their best?
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  4. Kitchens
    Feeding the royal household was an enormous operation.
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  5. A palace's many uses
    Over time, the different royal palaces developed different functions.
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  6. Managing the money
    Find out about courtiers' salaries and monarchs' debts
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  7. Defending the palaces
    Security has been a key aspect of palace life for centuries.
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  8. Guarding the Crown Jewels
    Who looked after these priceless gems?
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  9. Preserving palace stories
    The palaces have always been places for teaching and learning.
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