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 websitePlease note palace routes will start to close from 10.30, and staff and visitors will then gather in Clock Court for the below ceremony. The routes will reopen shortly after 11.00.
The clergy and choir of HM Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace will lead the palace community in remembering the Fallen on Sunday 14 November 2021. We will gather for the Act of Remembrance in Clock Court, joining in the national silence at 11.00 after the reading of names from the Chapel Royal war memorials. All are then welcome to follow the procession to the chapel for Matins.
Schedule
10.45 Gather in Clock Court
10.55 Ceremony of Remembrance and wreath-laying
11.10 State Matins in the Chapel Royal
15.30 Requiem Eucharist for the Fallen and all the departed in the Chapel Royal
All are welcome to join us in worship. Palace tickets are not require for attending chapel services. Please enter via Tennis Court Lane.
Marvel 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)
Join us for a member-only guided tour through the gardens at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
Saturday 26 February 2022 - 10.00
Hillsborough Castle
Free (advance booking required)
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