East Molesey Surrey hotels:

Hampton Court Palace promises a magical journey back through 500 years of history. Discover the intrigue of life at court as costumed guided tours, sound guides and family trails bring the palace to life. For almost 200 years, Hampton Court Palace was at the centre of court life, politics and national history. Although often identified with Henry VIII, its history was influenced just as much by William III and Queen Mary II in the late 17th century. Henry VIII was prolific in everything, from marriage to palace building. In just 10 years he spent more than £62,000 rebuilding and extending Hampton Court. This was a vast sum worth approximately £18 million today. By the time he died, the King had more than 60 houses and Hampton Court was his fourth favourite, after Whitehall Palace, Greenwich Palace (now both demolished) and Windsor Castle. Henry spent 811 days here during his 38-year reign, which suggests that, although he was a regular visitor, his stays were short. All his six wives came to the palace and most had new and lavish sets of lodgings. The King also rebuilt his own rooms at least half a dozen times. The palace not only provided public and private sets of lodgings for the King and queen but also accommodation for each of the King's children and for a large number of courtiers, visitors and servants.