The Tudor World, a new, permanent exhibition at Hampton Court Palace, has now opened, exploring the story of the Tudor royal dynasty.
Set within the oldest palace rooms, the Wolsey Rooms, the exhibition is told through rare and important 16th-century artwork and historic objects, as well as interactive displays.
The Tudor World will explore the early years of Henry VIII’s reign, as well as the lives of the men and women who shaped the Tudor reign. The display will explore the story of this ambitious royal family and the impact of their rule in an age of great change during the tumultuous sixteenth century.
Rare Tudor objects belonging to Historic Royal Palaces – the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace – will go on show, including a gold ring believed to have belonged to the Boleyn family, and a brightly coloured silk hat linked to Henry VIII. Also playing starring roles in the display are three rare, surviving Tudor history paintings from the Royal Collection.
At the heart of the display are the ‘ordinary’ people who were living through this period of change, from soldiers and laundresses, to ladies-in-waiting, and ‘gong farmers’ who cleaned the toilets. The display shares the story of Anne Harris, Henry VIII’s personal laundry woman, who washed the bandages for the king’s leg ulcers. It will also feature Jacques Francis, a free-diver from West Africa, who was involved in the expedition to salvage guns from the sunken Mary Rose.
The Tudor World in the Wolsey Rooms is now open in line with palace opening hours, and is included in palace admission.
