Regency Pastimes: Hampton Court Maze

hamptoncourtmaze

Leigh’s new picture of England and Wales, 1819

Situated on the north bank of the Thames, Hampton Court was a royal palace enlarged by King Henry VIII, redeveloped into Baroque style in part by King William III, and was visited but never inhabited by George III or other royals in the Regency (New Picture of London; Or, a View of the Political, Religious, Medical, 1830).

The pleasure gardens were (and still are) extensive, with lovely greenhouses, statues, trees, and within the Wilderness a maze which was a great attraction, especially for children. Later called the most famous Maze in the world, it is a puzzle maze with twists, turns, and dead ends. Today it is the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze (http://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/visit-us/top-things-to-see-and-do/the-maze/).

THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE AMUSMENT AND INSTRUCTION, 1829

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One Response to Regency Pastimes: Hampton Court Maze

  1. HJ says:

    This maze features in Frederica, by Georgette Heyer. It’s good to know it’s still there!