History Inspires at Hampton Court Palace

The Garden of the Beasts

One of the innovative features that Henry VIII introduced into his garden at Hampton Court Palace and which were one of several totems of Henrecian 'power gardening' were King's Beasts.

 

King's Beasts

King's Beasts were wood-carved heraldic devices and coats of arms atop wooden poles painted the Tudor colours of green and white and positioned within the garden to demonstrate the king's power and right to rule.  The originals have long since vanished, but replica King's Beasts are once again to be found in the Chapel Court.

King's Beasts also provided inspiration for 'The Garden of the Beasts', a design collaboration by Davies White Landscape Architects for a new £1.5 million children's garden at Hampton Court Place.