Revolutionary State?: Royal Palaces in Cromwell's England - Professor Simon Thurley

TL;DR

Despite the lack of documentation, there is evidence to suggest that Oliver Cromwell's residence at Hampton Court during the Commonwealth period followed the same architectural and cultural traditions as previous English monarchs.

Transcript

well good evening um ladies and gentlemen it's very nice to see you all not that I can this very bright light seems to be spr on me so I can't actually see there are people out there I think which is always reassuring um very nice to be here and it's very nice to um continue the um series that um I begun last year about um England's Royal palaces a... Read More

Key Insights

• ⏮️ Despite limited documentation, evidence suggests that Oliver Cromwell's residence at Hampton Court followed the architectural and cultural traditions of previous English monarchs.
• 🛌 Cromwell chose to live in the bed chamber previously remodeled by Henrietta Maria, indicating a continuation of established etiquette and practices.
• 🏛️ The presence of lavish tapestries, furniture, and classical statues in Cromwell's residence contradicts the popular image of Puritan austerity.
• 😒 The rearrangement and use of certain rooms at Hampton Court during the Commonwealth period reflect the changing roles and needs of the English monarchy.
• ☄️ Cromwell's adoption of French-inspired etiquette in his residence challenges the belief that such influence only came in during the reign of Charles II.
• 🖤 The lack of documentation and accounts of Cromwell's social and ceremonial interactions in his residence at Hampton Court highlights the secretive nature of the Commonwealth government.
• 🤴 The preservation and reuse of Royal palaces during the Commonwealth period contributed to the architectural continuity in later reigns.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why were the Royal palaces during the Commonwealth period difficult to research?

Documentation from the period is scarce, particularly after 1641, making it challenging to track changes and developments in the palaces.

Q: What influenced Oliver Cromwell's choice of residence at Hampton Court?

Cromwell chose to live in the bed chamber previously remodeled by Henrietta Maria in 1641. This decision suggests a continuation of traditions and adoption of French-inspired etiquette.

Q: Did Oliver Cromwell's residence at Hampton Court follow the same architectural and cultural traditions as English monarchs?

Yes, despite the absence of specific records, evidence indicates that Cromwell's residence at Hampton Court adhered to the traditions and etiquette of previous monarchs.

Q: How did Cromwell's choice of residence at Hampton Court differ from his predecessor, Charles I?

Cromwell opted for the bed chamber and rooms previously used by Henrietta Maria, while Charles I had his own separate bed chamber and private spaces within the palace.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The organization of Royal palaces during the Commonwealth and Civil War period is difficult to discern due to a lack of reliable documentation.

• Oliver Cromwell chose to live in Henrietta Maria's former bed chamber at Hampton Court, which had been remodeled in the French fashion.

• Despite the lack of specific records, evidence suggests that Cromwell's residence at Hampton Court followed the traditions and etiquette of previous English monarchs.