Eltham Palace

Today we visited Eltham Palace with Emma, Steve, Jackson and Isabel.   Eltham Palace is only about 20 minutes drive from our house and yet we have never visited it.    And what a find it was too.   The Palace was built during the 1400's and was very popular with the royal families of that era.    In fact Henry VIII organised for a chapel to built there.    During Elizabethan times, the royal families preferred the palace in Greenwich as it was easier to reach, due to access via the Thames River.   From that time, the palace slowly

fell into disrepair and by the 20th century all that remained was the Great Hall plus ruins.   

During the 1930's Stephen and Virginia Courtauld (millionaires) bought the Great Hall and the surrounding land.    They then renovated the hall, and built an adjoining house (very large) which is now a remarkable example of art deco building and design.    The gardens are also beautiful     Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos inside the house.   

When the Courtaulds moved out in 1944 they gave the house and gardens to the Army Education Unit.   There was no mention of money changing hands!   The 1944 Education Act was written by the then Education Minister, whilst staying at the house.        

 The weather was glorious, so we had a lovely picnic lunch in the gardens.

 Jackson enjoying the sunshine and the gardens.

 Looking towards the swimming pool at the end of the old moat.    The water was very murky and full of large carp.   Swimming with carp?

 An old Tudor bridge.

The old ruins have been incorporated into the gardens.

Steve, Isabel, Walter, Jackson and Emma taking a well deserved rest stop.   If you look closely you can see Walter making a 'V for victory' sign above Jackson's head.    Some people never grow up!

A view of the art deco house.    

A most enjoyable visit, and we will be definitely returning for another look at the house and gardens.