Sunday 27 April 2014

Eltham Palace and Gardens

It was around this time last year when we crossed the river to visit Eltham Palace.
Eltham was originally a moated manor house, built by Anthony Bek, Bishop off Durham, in the late 13th century.
It was enlarged by successive monarchs from Edward II to James I, after which it fell into decline, with Edward IV's magnificent great hall being used as a barn. Stephen Courthauld purchased a 99 year lease of the site in 1933. He restored the great hall and added a modern house, designed by Seely and Paget.
The Courthaulds left after the war and the palace was subsequently occupied by various Army education units. English Heritage took over it's management in 1995 and restored and refurnished the opulent 1930s interiors and gardens.  


Eltham Palace was once an important royal palace, playing host to kings and queens and international statesmen. It is one of the few medieval royal palaces in England to survive with substantial remains intact and was one of only six palaces large enough to accommodate and feed the entire Tudor court. 


What we see in the above 2 photos is the new house and the part remains of the original great hall.


Behind the house are the remains of the palace and we begin here looking out towards the City of London







Photos were not allowed in the house but the above entrance hall (taken from a page in the guide book) gives an idea of the style. 






Now a walk around the gardens beginning with part of the original moat now grassed over and made part of the gardens




















These two photos taken from the website


Virginia Courthauld's marble and gold bathroom

The family had a pet ring-tailed lemur and one could see  the ladder that led from the ground floor to it's sleeping quarters!



12 comments:

Cathy said...

What a lovely spot! Your photos really show how beautiful it is. And the history of it goes back so far. Amazing.

Patsy said...

Thank you that was very interesting.
Love your new garden and hope you got the house in order ,looking the way you want it.

Canadian Chickadee said...

Love these stories about the historic homes and gardens. That's one of the beauties of the UK -- they preserve these fabulous places so we can all see them and enjoy them. Thanks for sharing.

Vee said...

All that and a lemur! Exotic. That's an opulent bath. beautiful gardens and intriguing architecture. It is very interesting how the wings come together. (Hope that lots is progressing at your place.)

Elizabeth said...

Yet another one for my growing list dear Barbara!
I do so enjoy your fascinating tours...and you make me miss England!

Needled Mom said...

Eltham Palace looks like a beautiful place to visit. I would love to stroll through the gardens. A pet lemur???? Oh my!

Anonymous said...

I love the interiors, being a big fan of art deco. We have only been once, and it was too wet to enjoy the gardens that day, so we really should plan another visit.

Deanna said...

Lovely to see! Beautiful place.
d

La Petite Gallery said...

Beautiful
yvonne

Midwest to Midlands said...

Hi, thank you for the tour of Eltham Palace. I have never heard of it before so it is one to add to the list. I was surprised to see the more modern interior, which caught my attention as not what was expected.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

The interior decor is impressive but I love the gardens much more and am so happy you took us along with you.

Lorrie said...

Another beautiful place to explore. The 30s interior is quite a contrast to the medieval exterior. I think I prefer the latter.