HAMPTON COURT

also called Hampton Court Palace, Tudor palace in the Greater London borough of Richmond upon Thames. It overlooks the north bank of the River Thames. In the 1520s the palace was given by Thomas Cardinal Wolsey to Henry VIII (reigned 150947), who enlarged it as his favourite residence. Trees and shrubs were planted throughout its spacious grounds, and various buildings and fountains also were added. The gardens were redesigned in Dutch style for William III (reigned 16891702). The palace became known for the sumptuous pageants and banquets held there for Elizabeth I and subsequent rulers. George II (ruled 172760) was the last reigning monarch to occupy Hampton Court, and in 1851 Queen Victoria conferred the palace on the British government. The state rooms are open to the public, and the palace and its gardens, with Bushy Park adjoining, are one of London's major tourist attractions. The famous Maze in the Hampton Court gardens was originally planted in the late 17th century; the present Great Vine was planted by Lancelot Capability Brown in 1768 or 1769. The Privy Garden was severely damaged by fire in 1986 but was restored by the mid-1990s. See also labyrinth.