Architectural Visit to Kew Palace and Gardens

Wednesday 19th May 2010

Kew, South-West London
www.hrp.org.uk/KewPalace/

Kew Palace is the smallest royal palace in Britain and stands within the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Built in 1631 as a merchant's house, it later became the home of George III and was used as a country retreat by the king and his family. The magnificent grounds are a centre for botanical study shaped among others by 'Capabitility Brown'.

The Palace tour was be led by Dr. Lee Prosser and facilitated by Harvey Murray-Smith, Deputy House Manager who are extremely knowledgeable in the historical and architectural significance of this important building and it's surrounds.  The palace is of particular interest in recent times given the successful ten year restoration completed in April 2006.  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 80th birthday dinner here!

Members were given unique access to the Palace and the building’s repair and re-presentation project. As part of the guided tour , members also had the opportunity to see the Attic space and Tudor Undercroft which are not open to the general public and an opportunity to see the architecturally important Queen Charlotte’s Cottage on the other side of the Gardens.

Some photos from the tour: