Learn about the favourite game of Henry VIII at the Royal Tennis Court, where kings and their courtiers once enjoyed this fast-paced, exciting sport.
The display in the viewing gallery includes handmade balls, life-sized character illustrations and custom-made racquets.
Tennis and the Tudors
As a young man, Henry VIII was athletic, graceful and loved sports, especially tennis. He was a keen and talented player who spent hours on court.
In 1519, the Venetian Ambassador wrote: 'it was the prettiest thing in the world to see him play; his fair skin glowing through a shirt of the finest texture'.
Henry's second wife Anne Boleyn was gambling on a game of tennis when she was arrested to be taken to the Tower of London. She even complained that she couldn’t collect her winnings!
History of the Royal Tennis Courts
The first tennis court at Hampton Court Palace was built for Cardinal Wolsey between 1526 and 1529.
The current tennis court was built for Charles I in 1625. Three of its walls date from this period and the external wall to the right of the viewing gallery is one of Cardinal Wolsey's originals.
