From Gardens to Kitchens: Discover the Untold Lives of Palace Staff
This research has been brought to you by Findmypast, a leading family history website and sponsor of the Untold Lives: A Palace At Work exhibition at Kensington Palace. We hope you enjoy these stories of historical people who cared for and looked after our palaces. These have been identified and researched using Findmypast’s extensive collection of historical newspapers and exclusive census records, such as the 1921 census and the 1939 Register. Everyone can use census records to trace their ancestors and you can search UK censuses from 1841-1921 at Findmypast.
Discover untold lives in your family tree with 25% off a three-month Premium subscription with an exclusive discount for Historic Royal Palaces members only (see our Member Hub for details).
Header image: Portrait of Bridget Holmes (1591-1691). Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024
Harry Barton Peckham, Keeper of the Great Vine
The Great Vine at Hampton Court Palace is the largest grape vine in the world. The Keeper of the Great Vine was a prestigious role at the palace – a position that only 10 people have been entrusted with in its 250-year history. One of whom, was Harry Barton Peckham.
The 1921 census below shows that Harry was employed as a Gardener at Hampton Court Palace, where he lived with his wife Ada and his two children, Winifred and George. He was 45 at the time, putting his year of birth in 1875.
Image: © Historic Royal Palaces
Image: © Crown Copyright Images reproduced by courtesy of The National Archives, London, England.
From looking at the 1939 Register, we can see the family remains together, and are living at the Vinery House, with Harry’s occupation listed as Vine Keeper.
Image: © Crown Copyright Images reproduced by courtesy of The National Archives, London, England.
Today, a team of skilled gardeners love and look after the magnificent gardens at Hampton Court Palace, including the Great Vine, which are enjoyed by visitors from all over the world.
Image: © Historic Royal Places
Henry Balchen, Park Keeper
Kensington Palace is bordered by the beautiful Kensington Gardens, which were originally designed for Queen Caroline in the 18th century, when the gardens were closed to the public except on Saturdays and only to the 'respectably dressed'. They are now open to everyone and are cared for by The Royal Parks.
One person who helped maintain these majestic gardens was Henry Balchen. Henry’s career initially started in the army, where he joined the Royal Artillery in 1882. He left in 1903. During his service he was promoted to Company Sergeant Major, and married his wife, Eliza, in 1894.
Henry is then listed on the 1911 census as an Army Pensioner and Royal Park Keeper, living at 18 Creed Place, East Greenwich with his wife Eliza and two sons Henry, 16 and Albert, 14.
Image: © Crown Copyright Images reproduced by courtesy of The National Archives, London, England.
In 1921, the census records Henry as living at the Old Barracks, Kensington Palace with Eliza. He is 58 and works as a Park Keeper in Kensington Gardens for the Office of Works.
We then later find Henry on the 1939 register, where he is registered as a Retired Park Keeper, living in Charlton, Greenwich and sadly noted as widowed.
Image: © Crown Copyright Images reproduced by courtesy of The National Archives, London, England.
John H Tabor, Curator
At Historic Royal Palaces, we have a talented team of curators who work across our palaces to bring the rich history within our walls to life. With thanks to Findmypast, we have been able to delve into the life of John H Tabor, a former Curator at Hampton Court Palace.
John H Tabor appears in the 1921 census living at Hampton Court Palace and is listed as Curator there, alongside three daughters Marie, Winifred, and Olive.
Image: © Crown Copyright Images reproduced by courtesy of The National Archives, London, England.
This certificate shows that John was appointed as Curator of Paintings at the palace on 1 October 1919.
Later in 1939, John is living with two of his daughters, Olive and Marie, and lists his occupation as retired Curator of Pictures at Hampton Court Palace.
Image: Images supplied by Royal Archives copyright HM Queen Elizabeth II 2012
Image: © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD
This article in the Surrey Advertiser confirms that John died aged 87 on 24 January 1942. The article states that he was the Curator of Pictures from 1911-1930, having previously worked at St James’s Palace before Hampton Court Palace. The article references John's wife, who sadly died in 1925, and a son, although neither appear on the 1921 census with him and his three daughters living at Hampton Court Palace.
Mary Keating, State Housekeeper
Kensington Palace was the home of young royals for over 300 years. In 1899, it was first opened to the public, but although some rooms were open for visitors, members of the Royal Family and their staff still lived in the palace apartments.
Mary Alberta Keating worked as a State Housekeeper at Kensington Palace. From the 1921 census we learn that she was 35, born in 1886, a widow, and had a 15-year-old son called John. They were living in Clock Court, Kensington Palace.
Image: © Historic Royal Palaces
Image: © Crown Copyright Images reproduced by courtesy of The National Archives, London, England.
Other sources show that Mary married John Keating, a Colour Sergeant in the Cheshire Regiment on 5 September 1904. In 1911, she was living overseas in The Ridge Jubbulpore, Overseas Military, Ships and Overseas Establishments. She is listed as a ‘wife’, married for 6 years, with three children – John (5), Marjorie (4), and Alice (11 months).
Mary was appointed as a State Housekeeper on 1 January 1916. She was paid £80 per year and was provided with a furnished apartment. Her two daughters are not listed alongside her or John in 1921.
Image: Royal Archives copyright HM Queen Elizabeth II 2012
Untold Lives: A Palace at Work shines a spotlight on the ordinary people from all walks of life who worked tirelessly — often behind-the-scenes — to maintain, protect and promote the monarch and the royal palaces. Find out if you have a connection to one of them by tracing your family tree at Findmypast.
Explore what's on
- 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.
-
25 June, 30 July and 27 August 2025
- 18:00 and 18:15
- Kew Palace
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
- For members
- Events
Members-only Ceremony of the Keys
Members-only access to the traditional locking up of the Tower of London, the Ceremony of the Keys.
-
22 June, 13 July, 24 August 2025
- 21:30
- Tower of London
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
- Events
- Families
Backstairs
See the Backstairs performances in the King's and Queen's State Apartments at Hampton Court Palace. Join the busy performers as they ready the Palace for Queen Anne's exciting arrival.
-
Until 18 July 2025 (excluding 12 & 13 July)
- 11:30 - 15:45
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)