Historic Royal Palaces work to give the palaces a future as valuable as their past, while telling their stories in a way which encourages our visitors to find links with their own lives and the world today.
Recently completed projects include:
- The transformation of the Tower of London's environs would not have been possible without the generous support of Sir Paul Getty, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Pool of London Partnership.
- The Long Water Avenue at Hampton Court Palace was beautifully restored thanks to the generosity of Sir Donald Gosling.
- The Clore Learning Centre at Hampton Court Palace was opened in 2007, thanks to the support of the Clore Duffield Foundation, the Fidelity UK Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Bradbury Trust and other generous donors
- Kew Palace was restored and reopened in 2006 thanks to a large portfolio of support including, in particular, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Eric Hotung OBE.
Where will the money go in the future?
We receive no funding from the Government or Crown, and working with donors and sponsors to achieve challenging ambitions is one of our greatest success stories.
We are currently looking for support with the following projects:
- We would like to make a bold gift to the nation by 2012 in the form of a fully restored and represented White Tower and a newly represented Jewel House, home to the Crown Jewels.
- At Hampton Court Palace we will realise our ambition of being the place to come and discover Henry VIII, transforming the visitor experience of the Tudor palace and re-presenting it with visionary new exhibitions and representations - all in time for the celebrations to mark the anniversary of Henry's accession to the throne in 2009.
- We will transform Kensington Palace with a major representation, creating an innovative, intimate and engaging visitor experience which is accessible to the widest possible audience. Find out more by clicking here.
- We care for one of the most significant decorative arts collections in the world, from Henry VIII's tapestries to Queen Charlotte's state bed. Our Conservation and Collections Care team bring together over 400 years of combined experience to make sure this extraordinary collection will remain part of our cultural heritage. We are currently working on a five-year campaign to consolidate the team's work as a worldwide centre of excellence.
- The education service at the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace makes our charity one of the very largest providers of heritage education in the country, with over 100,000 on-site learners per year. By 2012 we will have applied this award-winning programme to more of our sites and will have confirmed our reputation for educating and inspiring in innovative ways.
- Our Outreach and Community Involvement team will have, by 2012, ensured that our heritage is accessible to different communities and groups by breaking down the barriers - real or perceived - to visiting our sites.
