The Palace

From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of British History at Hampton Court

By: Gareth Russell

Narrated by: John Telfer

A “riotously readable…tender and affectionate” (Daily Mail, London) exploration of five hundred years of British history—from King Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth II—as seen through the doorways of the exquisite Hampton Court Palace.

Architecturally breathtaking and rich in splendid art and décor, Hampton Court Palace has been the stage of some of the most important events in British history, such as the commissioning of King James’s version of the Bible, the staging of many of Shakespeare’s plays, and Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation ball.

The Palace takes us on “an entertaining journey into the past” (Kirkus Reviews) as it reveals the ups and downs of royal history and illustrates what was at play politically, socially, and economically at the time. An engaging and charming history book that is perfect for fans of Alison Weir, Philippa Gregory, and Andrew Lownie, The Palace makes you feel as if you were in the room as history was made.

Excellent detailed history of Hampton Court

I liked the many “tidbits” of history of the famous and not so famous that sprinkled the book.

So many historical details in context

It is more than just the story of a building. While the book covers the stories of the people who lived and visited there, it expands them by giving the wider historical context with a wealth of details, much of which I have never heard before. Particularly significant to me was the story of the King James Version of the Bible. It is rare that I connect personally with an incident in a history book. Like Gareth Russell, I grew up with the King James Version and the Bible verses that I have memorized are from that version. It was so interesting to learn how it came to be.

Gareth Russell is a true talent

This was such a pleasure to listen to. Such a carefully constructed work with a nod to academia but written with lovely and imaginative prose. I would honestly rather watch this series than the Crown. Well worth a listen.

Packed with centuries of history

Touches on the most interesting stories centered around Hampton Court. Spans generations of royal drama interwoven with building history.

Loved every part of this book.

Gareth is one of my favorite historical authors and podcasters to listen to, because he has such a sense of humor and such a unique and way of expressing ideas and stories. It’s rare that I’d laugh during a nonfiction book, but somehow I achieve that with his books. Even though this book is not read by him, I could still make out his tell tale hilarious ways of putting things. I loved how it wove the tale of Hampton Court from the beginning to now with the history that surrounded and shaped it. I can tell it took 2.5 years to write! Well done Gareth!