03/14/2003 Entry: "Mazes and Puzzles at Hampton Court Palace"

Mazes and Puzzles at Hampton Court Palace
The evergreen labyrinths of Hampton Court Palace’s historic and famous maze have attracted visitors determined to conquer the confusing paths lined with thick hedges for years. Now visitors can fathom their way through yet more fun mazes and historically-themed games with Hampton Court Palace’s month-long "Puzzle Palace" event, to be held from March 22 to April 27, 2003.

Over fifteen puzzles, themed around the palace’s fascinating 500-year history, will be scattered throughout the building and its beautiful gardens. Puzzles to pit your wits against include: the Archery Maze which will introduce visitors to Henry VIII’s passion for outdoor pursuits, the reason why his huge country retreat on the river at Hampton Court was ideal; the Knights Jumping Maze which reflects on the regular jousting games that were held in the tiltyard as well as King Henry’s love of hunting; and Prince and Princesses, a maze that should keep toddlers entertained.

Patterns linked to the palace’s incredible Tudor architecture, such as the herringbone brickwork and the Great Watching Chamber’s painted ceiling, are incorporated into further mind-bending games and puzzles.

The final challenge for visitors will be to negotiate the palace’s own maze and solve the double-sided finger puzzle that lies at its center. A certificate awaits those who solve all the puzzles and find their way out of the maze to collect it.

Facts about the Great Maze at Hampton Court Palace:
· The world famous Hampton Court Palace Maze was planted in 1690, making it the first hedge planted maze in Great Britain.
· Mazes flourished in Britain up to the 18th century, until Lancelot Capability Brown introduced natural landscaping. Ironically, Brown was Royal Gardener at the palace for 20 years but he was ordered not to interfere with the maze.
· Over 330,000 people enter the maze every year.
· On average it takes 20 minutes to reach the center.
· The area of the maze covers over a third of an acre, incorporating half a mile of paths.
· The yew hedges are approximately 7’ high and 3’ wide.

To book advance tickets to Hampton Court Palace tel: 0870 753 7777 or visit the Historic Royal Palaces’ official website at www.hrp.org.uk

Operation Hours
March 25 – October 27
Open: Mondays 10:15 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

October 28 – March 24
Open: Mondays 10:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday - Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
***Hampton Court Palace is open to the public everyday except from December 24-26.

Directions
Train from Waterloo direct to Hampton Court takes 32 minutes. Exit junctions 10 and 12 on the M25. Underground District Line to Wimbledon and main line to Hampton Court.

Hampton Court Palace was home to some of Britain’s most famous kings and queens and the setting for many great events during nearly 500 years of royal history. From the west, Hampton Court Palace is a red brick Tudor palace of Henry VIII (1509-1547); from the east, the stately Baroque façade designed by Sir Christopher Wren for William III (1689-1702).

The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with great works of art and reflect the different tastes of the royal residents. Situated beside the Thames River, Hampton Court Palace has over 600 acres of parkland, including 60 acres of formal gardens with fountains, ponds and elaborate Privy garden restored six years ago.