By the 1530s, Henry VIII's Hampton Court had evolved into a palace, a hotel, a theater, and a sprawling leisure complex. The King utilized it to display his majesty and authority in every manner imaginable, including elaborate dinners, opulent court life, and outrageously expensive art. Hampton Court Palace is one of England's most famous royal residences. It is located about 20 miles from London on the River Thames. The site was originally chosen by Henry VII in 1429 when he built a small hunting lodge on what was then called Hare Hatch Creek. Over time the King expanded the property, adding towers, walls, and gates along with new rooms for entertaining guests. In 1538, after the death of his first wife, Mary Tudor, Henry married her sister Queen Elizabeth. As part of their wedding settlement, the couple received control of all properties held by their spouses. Thus, Hampton Court became the Princess Mary's residence, and it has remained so ever since. In 1616, during the reign of James I, Hampton Court Palace was completely destroyed by fire. Since that time, there have been no major changes made to the property. It is now open to the public as a museum devoted to royal history. Hampton Court Palace is one of the largest and most extensive palaces in England. Today, it is owned by the British government and is used for state events and exhibitions.