Set in 60 acres of beautiful gardens, Hampton Court charts the last 500 years of royal history from the time of Henry VIII. Not only that, it is home to the oldest still-in-use Real Tennis court in the world.
Not as well known as its relatively recent descendant, Lawn Tennis, Real Tennis is the granddaddy of all racquet sports. Its history stretches back to 5th century Tuscan villages where locals would hit balls up and down the street with their hands. Over the centuries gloves were adopted to protect players hands, to which cords were then attached and, out of this, the modern racquet was born.
Familiarity with tennis and squash can help, but it’s by no means the simplest of games. Players whack a ball - made from cork, bound in cloth and covered in felt - about an irregularly-shaped, walled court (no two are the same). It’s even harder to understand due to the arcane terminology involved, reflecting the games lengthy past.
The game’s history of exclusivity – it was the preserve of royals and nobles for centuries – means that the game is not widely known or played. Hampton Court is one of only 27 courts in the UK.
London Location Map of Hampton Court, Tennis Courts
Henry VIII was almost as famous for his six wives as he was for his
ever increasing stature, his break with Rome and his legendary battles.
Through ...More
Travel through over 500 years of rich royal history reflected in the palace's varied and stunning mix of Baroque and Tudor architecture. The winding corridors, ... More
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Set in 60 acres of beautiful gardens, Hampton Court charts the last 500 years of royal history from the time of Henry VIII. Not only that, it is home to the oldest still-in-use Real Tennis court in the world.
