Here are some facts about Richmond Palace.
- Richmond Palace was built by Henry VII in the early 1500s. It was built on the site of a former palace.
- It is located on the south bank of the River Thames in London, upstream of the Palace of Westminster.
- In 1502, at Richmond Palace, Henry’s daughter, Princess Elizabeth, became betrothed to King James IV of Scotland.
- Henry VII died at Richmond Palace in 1509.
- In the 1500s, Henry VIII confiscated the more modern Hampton Court Palace from Thomas Wolsey, forcing him to accept Richmond Palace in exchange.
- In 1540 Richmond Palace was passed on the Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce settlement.
- When Mary I became queen, Elizabeth (to become Elizabeth I) was imprisoned in Richmond Palace.
- Elizabeth I used Richmond Palace as one of her royal residences. She liked to hunt stags in the palace grounds. Queen Elizabeth died in Richmond Palace on 24th March 1603.
- James I created Richmond Park as an area to be used for stag hunting. It is thought that some of the red deer in Richmond Park today may be the descendants of the herd hunted in the 17th century.
- Following the execution of Charles I in 1649, Richmond Palace was sold and demolished. Stones from the building were re-used in other projects.
- Some original structures of Richmond Palace survive today, including the Gate House (built in 1501), Trumpeters’ House and the Wardrobe.
- Along with Hampton Court Palace, Richmond Palace was one of the first buildings to be fitted with a flushing lavatory (designed by Sir John Harington).
What next? Discover more facts about the Tudors, or go to the Primary Facts History page.
