In George I’s time at Hampton Court, the Palace saw a great change – lavish rooms were decorated for the Prince and Princess of Wales and a special kitchen was built for one of the most fashionable foodie pastimes of the period, drinking hot chocolate. Visit Hampton Court’s recently restored Chocolate Kitchen and follow the ‘smell map’ that takes you through the palace to find out more about royal daily life and court intrigues right where they happened.
George I arrived at Hampton Court Palace as the first of a new royal line. Having left his wife in Germany – imprisoned for an act of infidelity – George had two other notable ladies on his arm… He spoke little English and fought bitterly with his son (the future George II), who never saw his mother again after she was imprisoned. Scandal and gossip abounded at Hampton Court as the King and his son fought for control.