Introduction -- Prologue -- The house of Tudor -- The house of Stuart & Cromwell -- The house of Hanover -- The house of Windsor

Takes us into every room of Hampton Court Palace-the stage of some of the most important events in British history, such as the commissioning of King James's version of the Bible and Queen Elizabeth II's coronation ball, illustrating what was at play politically, socially and economically at the time

Hampton Court Palace has been the locus of monarchy, revolution, religious fundamentalism, sexual scandals, and military coups. Russel moves through the rooms and the decades to focus on the people who called Hampton Court their home. From the Tudors to the present, he captures the stories of the many sovereigns and servants who lived and worked in its halls. In doing so, Russel reveals the personal tragedy and political importance of this extraordinary place. -- adapted from jacket