A captivating chapel in continuous use for over 450 years
A captivating chapel in continuous use for over 450 years
Outstandingly rich, colourful and layered with history, the chapel's vaulted ceiling was installed by Henry VIII in the 1530s and is the grand culmination of Tudor opulence at Hampton Court.
In 1710, Queen Anne commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to remodel the interior of the chapel.
The royal family would never sit in the main body of the church. Kings and queens always used a private pew on first-floor level which looks down upon the main body of the chapel.
Today, a single central room, like a box at an opera, is reserved for the monarch.
It was here in the chapel, in 1540, that Archbishop Cranmer handed Henry VIII a letter outlining various accusations against the King’s new wife, Catherine Howard.
Catherine was accused of unchaste behaviour before her marriage. Henry VIII had been besotted with his young wife, which is why he turned against her all the more viciously.
Catherine was executed at the Tower of London soon afterwards.
An accurate replica of the crown worn by Henry VIII is on display in the Royal Pew of the Chapel Royal, where Henry himself would have sat wearing it.
Please note that while the Royal Pew normally open Wednesday - Saturday, it may close on short notice due to Chapel services.
View Henry's CrownYou are welcome to attend a religious service here. You do not require a palace admission ticket to attend a religious service.
More on religious services at the Chapel Royal
Learn more about worship, music and the architecture of the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace on the Chapel's website.
Visit the Chapel Royal websiteMarvel at the sparkling re-creation of Henry VIII's Crown, on display in the Tudor apartments at Hampton Court Palace.
Open
Hampton Court Palace
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Walk Henry VIII’s route from his private apartments to the Chapel and see the infamous Haunted Gallery in the State Apartments.
Open
Hampton Court Palace
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Wander through this treasure of the Hampton Court Gardens, which was once Charles II's formal pleasure garden and is now a wild meadow.
Open
Hampton Court Palace
Included in palace admission (members go free)
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