Eltham Palace is famous for its links with royalty and national events over a period of three and a half centuries, between the reigns of Edward I and James I. This richly illustrated book follows these important moments in the building-s history, along with the parallel stories of its architecture, gardens, vineyards and parks. The staff responsible for its upkeep and the effects on the local community of having a royal building in its midst are also chronicled here. What remains of the Palace-s former splendour today are the moat bridge, part of its outer court and the magnificent great hall, built for Edward IV, which survived long years of use as a barn after the Civil Wars. A 1930s mansion now adjoins the hall and both buildings are administered by English Heritage. Eltham Palace was central to its local community as well as to the aristocratic levels of international society. While the court was at Eltham the palace was the centre of administration for the whole
