The flamboyant Henry VIII is most associated with this majestic riverside palace, which he extended and developed in grand style after acquiring it from Cardinal Wolsey in the 1520s. He lavished money on fabulous tapestries and paintings, housed and fed a huge court and pursued a succession of wives, political power and domination over Rome.

The Tudor buildings which remain are among the most important in existence, but the elegance and romance of the palace owes much to the elegant baroque buildings commissioned by William and Mary at the end of the 17th century.