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.
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Praise for The Palace
“Bursting with scholarship, wit and riveting detail.”
– Kate Williams, author of “Rival Queens”
“A fascinating chronicle.” - The Times
“It’s hard to imagine anyone writing a better version of the book Russell sets out to write than the racy delight we have here.” – The Spectator
“A stunning tour de force.” – Tracy Borman
“Lively, pacy and engagingly written.” – BBC History Magazine
“Gareth Russell is a born storyteller.” – Dan Jones
“Riotously readable.” – The Mail on Sunday
“If a house could gossip, this is the book that Hampton Court would whisper.” – Philippa Gregory
“An entertaining journey into the past.” – Kirkus
“Absolutely fascinating.” – Jo Good
“Fans of historical British royalty will revel in all the personalities Russell brings to life.” –Booklist
“Russell deftly scrolls through five centuries of Hampton Court history.” – Anne Somerset
“A delight.” – Publisher’s Weekly
“Some of the best stories in British history told with pathos, brio and wit.” – Jessie Childs
“A fascinating portrait of Hampton Court Palace, focusing on the people who lived and loved there.” – Country Life
“With scholarly accuracy but also a novelist’s eye for a telling detail or anecdote.” – Andrew Roberts
“An enchanting passport to a dazzling and deadly world.”
– Lisa Hilton
“I have a new favourite history book!” – Claire Ridgeway
“A serious, scholarly book that reads like a novel.”
– Tudor Times
“Excellently researched and referenced with incredible detail, it reads like a novel and is hard to put down - even to make a cup of tea.” – Karey Draper