Eltham Palace

Although documented as a settlement in the Domesday survey of 1086, it wasn’t until 1305 that Eltham became a royal palace. Edward II and his father frequently stayed here and by the early 14th century Eltham had become one of the largest royal residences in the UK.

Throughout the years many more royals spent lavish amounts of money making additions and alterations to the palace. Walled gardens were added, and in during the reign of Edward IV the great hall was built. This magnificent room still stands today.

Eltham Palace became the childhood home of Henry VIII and he also spent large amounts of money making changes including new royal lodgings and a brick built chapel. By the 1530s Henry began to prefer Hampton Court and Greenwich and the palace began to fall into disrepair. By the 18th century in a complete mirror of its former glory Eltham was used as farm and its buildings used by tenants. However, the great hall still stood.

A 99 year lease was taken out by the Courtaulds in 1933 and their renovation began. Their idea of a modern 19th century home was first met with controversy. Electric fires, a loudspeaker system, an internal telephone exchange and underfloor heating was installed. This also Included heated quarters for Virginia Courtauld’s pet lemur.

During the war the Courtaulds remained at Eltham Palace,  disappearing to a comfortable shelter in the basement during bombing. After becoming increasingly  tired of the bombing, they sadly left the palace in 1944, passing the lease onto the Army Educational Corps. The army remained here until they left Eltham in 1992.

Now run by English Heritage, the palace is a mixture of art deco, medieval and Tudor, all surrounded by attractive gardens.

As with many historical buildings, Eltham Palace is said to be haunted with English Heritage claiming that it is one of its most haunted sites. A ghost of a former employee is still heard giving tours…