Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
Rare and Historic Northern Irish Plant Varieties at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
28 June 2024
Northern Ireland is home to a rich variety of rare and historic plants, many of which can be found at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Gardens Manager Claire Woods explores the history behind growing these plants and the importance of conserving them for future generations.
The Wedding of Captain Scott and Kathleen Bruce at Hampton Court Palace
04 January 2024
Assistant Curator Minette Butler explores how Captain Scott's wedding to his beloved wife Kathleen Bruce at Hampton Court Palace intertwines with the aftermath of his ill-fated expedition to reach the South Pole.
The explosive history of the pagoda during World War II
06 June 2023
One of the most surprising periods in the history of the Great Pagoda is its use as a secret testing site during World War II. Curator Polly Putnam picks up the tale of this fascinating discovery.
Frederick Wright Or Kathleen Woodhouse: A First World War Soldier Who Wished To Live As A Woman
15 February 2022
February is LGBT+ History Month in the UK, which aims to increase the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT+) people through the exploration of their history and stories. Collections Curator Matthew Story explores one such story.
A Real Royal Visit: Princess Mary at Hillsborough Castle, 1928
20 September 2019
Princess Mary was the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, and visited Hillsborough Castle as a royal guest in 1928. Beatrice Meecham from the Curators team explores this important royal visit.
Renewable energy meets conservation: the Hydro House at Hillsborough
19 August 2019
To the very north of the park at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, for the adventurous visitor prepared to explore the Perimeter Walk, is the Hydro House. Historic Royal Palaces restored and re-commissioned the Hydro House in 2017 and it now produces enough electricity to continuously power 100 mobile phones!
Dahlia season at Hampton Court Palace
14 August 2019
July marks the start of the dahlia season, but it is as the days grow shorter that these flamboyant plants come into their own, providing a spectacular display of extravagant flowers until the first frosts.
Catherine Duleep Singh: A Maharaja's daughter at Hampton Court Palace
27 February 2019
Catherine Duleep Singh and her sisters, Sophia and Bamba, were granted Grace and Favour accommodation in Faraday House, Hampton Court Palace by their Godmother, Queen Victoria. Their father was deposed by the East India Company as the ruler of Punjab in 1849.
Lord of the Isles Tartan Suit worn by The Duke of Windsor
11 September 2018
September's Object of the Month is the spectacular Lord of the Isles Tartan Suit. This suit exemplifies the cutting-edge, fashion-forward, extravagant Duke of Windsor, and is one of two suits within the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection of tartan – the other being the Rothsay Tartan.
Queen Victoria's petticoat wrapped up!
18 December 2017
In the last post we saw how Queen Victoria's petticoat has been conserved. It is now stable enough to be displayed and enjoyed by our visitors! However, for the time being, the petticoat will be carefully packed and stored within our Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.