Dark Facts About Hampton Court, Henry VIII’s Cursed Palace

While the Tower of London lives in English infamy, few people know about the haunted history of Hampton Court Palace, the bloody crown jewel of King Henry VIII’s reign.

Built in scandal and lasting through years of intrigue, the palace saw the rise and fall of kings, queens, and cardinals alike—leaving behind more than a few ghosts. If these walls could talk, they would scream.

1. It Had Unholy Beginnings

In 1515, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, one of King Henry VIII’s favorite courtiers, started building Hampton Court as a deluxe pleasure palace.

For the next decade, Wolsey spared no expense on his brickwork bauble, pouring over 200,000 Crowns into its construction.

2. The Penthouse Suites Were Fit for a King

King Henry VIII graced his Cardinal’s “humble” new abode with his presence pretty much right after it was finished in 1525.

As was befitting of a King of England, Henry stayed in the state apartments at Hampton Court, which were basically the penthouse suites of the Tudor period.

3. It Was the Center of a Dangerous Game

Wolsey got precious little time to enjoy his new digs. Shortly after Henry’s visit to the palace, the cardinal fell from the tempestuous monarch’s favor.

Desperate to appease the chop-happy king and knowing that Henry VIII had liked his stay, Wolsey “gifted” Hampton Court to him around 1529.

4. Its Original Owner Met an Infamous End

King Henry VIII snatched up the palace instantly—it would, after all, become his most favored residence.Then he dealt Wolsey a cruel betrayal. Perhaps never intending to restore Wolsey to favor, Henry cut the Cardinal out of his life anyway, and the holy man died just two years later. The palace’s first curse was complete.