Inside Story Issue 59
John Harding, Historic Royal Palaces Patron
We speak to a long-time member and volunteer who enjoyed himself so much that he became a Patron!
John Harding, a former military historian for the Ministry of Defence, also worked for some years at the National Army Museum in London where he met his late wife Marion, also a curator. They enjoyed visiting historic sites, including the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. After his early retirement, and Marion’s death, John joined Historic Royal Palaces as a member. In 2016 he became a Patron. John, who lives in Wimbledon, also volunteers regularly at Hampton Court and the Tower.
Why did you become a Patron?
It’s an immensely satisfying and fulfilling experience, particularly for someone like me with a passion for history. Membership brings you very close, but being a Patron takes you right into the heart of the palaces. Patrons get ‘up close and personal’ behind the scenes at all the palaces, with many opportunities to stand alongside curators, conservators and other experts as they share their insights and expertise, plus there are many interesting social events, exclusive previews, and reciprocal visits behind the scenes to meet curators at other historic sites. The scheme offers a flexible range of commitment, which I can’ t praise highly enough.
What do you enjoy most?
There are many wonderful benefits offered by the scheme, but I gain even greater satisfaction by getting involved and giving something back. I’ve donated funds for various small projects. For example, I’ve funded the Tower graffiti project for two years, photographing and recording the hundreds of inscriptions carved by past inhabitants. I was also offered the chance to help as one of the volunteers there, too, which is fascinating work.
How else are you involved as a volunteer?
Once a week I help catalogue uniforms in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Hampton Court. After a uniform has been formally logged on to the database by the curators, my job is to examine the item closely to see if I can add some personal ‘colour’ or social context. For example, when I looked at the former Duke of Gloucester’s wartime officer’s ‘Battledress’ uniform, I noticed from the label that, rather than being an expensive and more comfortable officer’s private purchase item, the Duke had used a standard ‘Other Ranks’ set; the blouse having been made by the War Office contractor, the thrifty ‘50-shilling’ tailor firm! I also assist the curators with military research if needed and help the Visitor Support Team at the Tower. I really enjoy being involved in so many ways.
Become a patron
More information about becoming a Historic Royal Palaces Patron, and other ways you can support us.
Thank you
From our earliest members to those who have joined more recently, your continued support enables us to care for the palaces and share their stories with everyone.
