Hampton Court’s Tudor Ghosts

Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s magnificent home, is one of Britain’s most haunted locations. The ghosts of the Tudor court, including several of Henry’s wives, continue to walk its corridors nearly five centuries after their deaths.

The Palace

Hampton Court was built by Cardinal Wolsey and taken by Henry VIII in 1529. It became his favorite residence. Within its walls, marriages were made and broken, children were born, and queens were condemned.

Catherine Howard

Henry’s fifth wife was arrested at Hampton Court and ran screaming through what is now called the Haunted Gallery, begging for mercy. Visitors hear screaming and feel intense distress. Some see her running figure before it vanishes.

Jane Seymour

The Grey Lady is believed to be Jane Seymour, who died here after giving Henry his son. She carries a candle through the Queen’s apartments and down the stairs. Her appearance is preceded by cold chills.

The Security Camera

In 2003, security cameras captured a figure in period dress opening fire doors. The skeletal face was visible through hooded robes. Staff could not explain the figure or the doors’ movement. The footage was broadcast worldwide.

Other Spirits

Henry VIII has been seen. Anne Boleyn appears despite being executed elsewhere. A ghostly dog haunts the grounds. Servants in Tudor dress walk the corridors.

Assessment

Hampton Court concentrates the passions and tragedies of one of history’s most dramatic courts. The violence of Henry’s reign left permanent impressions in this most personal of his palaces.