Thomas Wolsey, one of England's richest and powerful men, acquired Hampton Court in 1514. It became one of the country's greatest houses and was soon taken by Henry VIII as a royal palace. This photograph shows the south and east fronts - great ranges designed by Sir Christopher Wren for King William III and Queen Mary II, and begun in 1689. The palace stopped being a used as a royal residence in 1737 after which it was divided into apartments for the widows and children of those who had given service to Crown and country.
Historic England Archive EAW014181.