Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
'May I Go Home?': Lady Jane Grey's First Moments as a Tower Prisoner
11 October 2024
Lady Jane Grey's biographer, Dr Nicola Tallis unpicks the moment that Jane learned of her deposition and was forced to come to terms with her fall from Queen to Tower prisoner.
A Year in the Life of a New Yeoman Warder
27 October 2023
By tradition, only 422 people have ever held the role of Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London. Here, Yeoman Warder Simon Towe, who joined the ranks of the Yeoman Body in November 2022, shares an eventful first year in his new life.
Secrets of Henry VIII's Whitehall: The Archaeology of a Lost Palace
17 August 2023
More than 300 years after the destruction of Whitehall Palace by fire, archaeological excavation and scientific analysis continue to uncover the lost stories and secrets of Henry VIII's once elaborate home.
Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection in the Jewel House
26 June 2023
Curator Charles Farris introduces some of the amazing ceremonial dress now on display in the Jewel House exhibition.
The explosive history of the pagoda during World War II
06 June 2023
One of the most surprising periods in the history of the Great Pagoda is its use as a secret testing site during World War II. Curator Polly Putnam picks up the tale of this fascinating discovery.
Royal Trees at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
31 May 2023
Claire Woods, Gardens Manager at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, reflects on some of the trees planted by members of the Royal Family, which are still available to view in the castle grounds today, and the newest addition for 2023.
Coronation Memorabilia: History and Tradition
12 May 2023
Historic Royal Palaces Curator Lee Prosser reflects on the long history of this fascinating aspect of royal history.
Charles II's Coronation Procession from the Tower of London
24 April 2023
Curator of Historic Buildings, Alden Gregory, takes a look at Charles II's Coronation - the last coronation in which the Tower of London played a starring role.
Preparing the Peace
10 April 2023
Reflecting on Hillsborough Castle’s political role, 25 years on from the Good Friday Agreement.
Wren's Royal Palace
08 March 2023
Head of Historic Buildings Daniel Jackson looks at one of Sir Christopher Wren's most famous and problematic projects: the remodelling of Hampton Court Palace.