Los Angeles herald., 1891-12-28
Facts and Features About the
Palace.
An Historic Pile Full Of History
and Romance.
Wolsey's Mansion Now Home for
~ Decrepit Gentility.
The Notabies Who Have Made Their
Home within Its wsils-scenes 1t
Has witnessed-The Rooms
and Their Stories.
written for the HHRALD.l

Written for the HERALD.l
How the we'll known title, Hampton
Court" reminds US OF the history OF by.
gone days, when crowned and mitred
beads held pageants of unrivaled splen.
dor within its precincts and how it also
brings back the memory OF noble
avenues, grassy .swards, and flowers ol
brightest hue, set off by the lovely waters
of the silvery river Thames; for magnif-
cent as the palace is the grounds are
even more fascinating. In the spring
time, with the sun tenderly kissing each
opening flower, d poem written by the
hand OF nature; and glory in the sum-
mer time when gorgeous blossomr and
waving foliage bespeak the richness of
full fruition. Even the sad autumnal
season breathes OF beauty stately in its
decay, and when fall the SHOWS of win
ter, noiselessly covering every leaf and
blade of grass, it is to bride arrayed
In her robes OF spotless white that we
liken the fairy scene.
Legend tells US that Cardinal Wolsey,
when at the height of his power, became
desirous of building a palace that should
not only be suitable to his rank, but one
that should be erected on the healthiest
spot within twenty miles of London.
For this purpose the most learned physi-
clans in England were called upon for
their aid, and even learned Esculapians
were brought from famous Padua, to
give their opinion in the matter, with
the result that Hampton was unani-
mon q u ouroad upOn hauipu th q ,,ono
healthy soil, and the springs in the ad-
jacent Coombe Wood as producing the
purest water within the prescribed limit.
On the strength of this verdict, the car
dinal obtained q lease of Hampton
Manor from the prior OF the Knights
Hospitallers of st. John of Jerusalem,
to which order it had been bequeathed
by Lady Grey in the year 12l1, after
record dating from the reign of the Con-
queror, mention being made OF it in the
Doomsday Book.
Wolsey, who from the humble posi-
tion OF a butchers son, rose to primate
and lord chancellor Of England, with an
annual income exceeding: the revenues
of the crown, and retinue of 800 per-
sons, is perhaps the greatest instance on
record OF the inconsistency of human
things, and the instability of human af-
fections. Possessed of over-weening
ambition, he adapted himself to the
temper and inclinations of the youthful
King Henry with such success, that for
years his ascendancy over the mind of
his royal master was absolute.
However, Wolsey's disinclination to
further the divorce proceedings OF Henry
and Catharine OF Arragon, brought
about his ruin, and in spite of his
former services, his fall dated from that
time, ending with his sad death at Leices-
ter, caused by the disgrace of being ar
rested for high treason. Who is not
familiar with the agonized cry, "Would
that I had served my God as well as
1 have served my king, for then my grey
hairs would not have been brought in
sorrow to the grave"? The Cardinals am
bitions rise and ignominious fall, are too
often dwelt upon to the exclusion of his
benefcent deeds, for which the world is
better today. He, who himself was so
precocious in learning that at the age of
IA the degree of "bachelor of arts" was
conferred upon him, whence originated
his title, hoy bachelor" was noble in
his desire for the promotion of learning,
as is shown by the seven lectures which
he founded at Oxford, and in the school
founded by him in his native town Of
Ipswich. And then Hampton Court
palace, the subject OF our sketch-which
was magnificent gift from Wolsey to
his tickle king-who would not think
kindly of the founder of place so rich
in historical associations and quaint
beauty?
There it was that Edward vi. was
born, midst great rejoicings, which,
however, were brought to An abrupt
termlna'i ion by the death of his sweet
young mother, to whom Henry showed
more fidelity than to his other wives,
and for whom he is said to have
mourned sincerely. Edwards christen-
ing in the chapel royal was scene of
almost unparalleled magniicence.
Thomas Cranmer. archbishop of Canter-
bury, and the duke OF Norfolk being
chosen godfathers for the royal infant.
On the accession of Mary to the
Philip OF Spain, Hampton Court palace
was selected As the most suitable place
of retirement for the spending of the
Elizabeth's reign Christmas festivals
were held there in great state. With
James l. this palace was favorite place
OF residence. and it was there that the
celebrated conference between the
Presbyterians and the members of the
established church, on the subject OF
conformity, with the king as moderator,
was held. To that conference great
debt OF gratitude is due, as its result
was the we'll known translation OF the
Bible used to the present day.
Hampton Court was in turns resi-
dence, an asylum and a prison to the
ill fated Charles I. Himself connois-
seur of art, he had this, his favorite
palace, decorated with the finest efforts
of artistic genius; but alas his perse-
cutors scattered them far and wide, and
they now mostly adorn foreign, collec-
tions.
How varied the vicissitudes of this
remarkable buildingl From royal
residence it became the property of q
member of the house of commonl, being
sold to him by the parliament in 1861,
Five years later, however, saw 1t in the
possession Of Oliver Cromwell, to whom
it became bound by the opposite ties O.
joy and sorrow, the marriage OF his
daughter Elizabeth to Lord Falconberi
being held there in 1867, and his favorite
daughter, Mrs. Claypole, dying there the
following year.
Charles III and James III were occa
sional residents there, but William Ill
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