The Gardens

Previous page: The Courtyards

THE GARDENS

The Great Fountain Gardens, which are overlooked by Wren's imposing East Front, were laid out for William and Mary, and are especially notable for their herbaceous beds and borders.

Beyond them is the Home Park, with the Long Canal (formed by Charles II) framed by a splendid avenue of elm and lime.

On facing towards the East Front, Henry VIII.'s Tennis Court - the oldest in England, and still in use - will be seen to the right, and in this direction, skirting the north side of the palace, are the Wilderness or wild garden - of especial charm in daffodil time - the Maze; and, on the site of the old Tiltyard, the Lawn Tennis Courts and the Tea Garden.

Between the South Front and the river are the Privy Gardens - with Henry VIII's Pond Garden, Queen Mary's Bower, the new Tudor Knott Garden, the Great Vine, and the Orangery.

The Orangery (by Wren) contains the splendid series of paintings in coloured tempera, The Triumph of Julius Caesar, by Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506), which were acquired by Charles I. Near the river end of the Broad Walk are the series of fine wroughtiron screens by Jean Tijou, a French artist in metal who was patronised by Wren.

Next page: The Great Hall

• Hampton Court - Introduction
• 1 - The Courtyards
• 2 - The Gardens
• 3 - The Great Hall
• 4 - The State Apartments