In the Wolsey Rooms, Hampton Court Palace
On this members-only preview day, be among the first to explore the re-opening of the oldest rooms at Hampton Court Palace: The Wolsey Rooms, including a brand-new route.
The Wolsey Rooms were originally built for Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII's chief minister, when he owned Hampton Court in the 1520s. Explore his world and the events of the early years of Henry VIII's reign. The route also shines a light on the ordinary men and women who enabled the Tudor court to exist and flourish.
This remarkable story of an ambitious royal dynasty is told through rare and important 16th-century artworks and historic objects, as well as interactive displays. Find out about the achievements of the Tudors, and the impact of their rule in an age of great change.
Learn more about The Tudor World in the Wolsey Rooms.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Tudor World displays are shown across two floors; we anticipate they will take approximately 30 minutes to explore. There is an accessible step-free ground floor display and a first floor display. The first floor display is accessed via a spiral staircase. Lift access is available up four steep steps. Learn more about access at the palace or email us with any accessibility concerns at [email protected]
Header image: The Field of the Cloth of Gold, c1545. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024
When
11 July 2024
10:00 - 17:30 (last entry 16:30)Ticketing information
This preview day will take place on 11 July; please note that it was originally scheduled for 23 May.
Members go free.
All attendees must be named Historic Royal Palaces members holding a valid membership. This is not a ticketed event, simply present your membership card at the entrance to the route to gain admittance.
Free
Image: Thomas Wolsey, c1840-5. © Historic Royal Palaces
Image: 'Rossa', 17th century. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024
Image: Tudor Woman in a Persian Dress, by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger, c1590-1600. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024
EXPLORE WHAT'S ON
- For members
- Events
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Members-only access to the traditional locking up of the Tower of London, the Ceremony of the Keys.
- 12 May, 16 June and 14 July 2024
- 21:30
- Tower of London
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
- For members
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- Families
Members-Only Bring Your Own Picnic Evening
Relax in the Wilderness and East Front Gardens after-hours on this members-only picnic evening. Bring your own picnic, blanket, chairs and games and enjoy the gardens without the crowds.
- 26 July and 09 August 2024
- 18:00 - 20:00
- Hampton Court Palace
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
- For members
- Tours and talks
- Events
Members-Only Evening Tours of Kew Palace
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to join a members-only evening tour of Kew Palace. Led by an expert guide in full Georgian attire, explore the palace, undercroft and attics when the palace is usually closed to visitors.
- 06 June, 18 July, 08 August and 05 September 2024
- 18:00 and 18:15
- Kew Palace
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
Henry VIII, Terrible Tudor?
Who was the real Henry VIII?
The Field of Cloth of Gold
Henry VIII's historic meeting with his great rival François I in 1520 was a defining point in his reign
Life at the Tudor court
In the Tudor period, a monarch’s home was centre of the nation