Author(s): Edward Impey

Gardens/Garden Design

Reopened to the public in spring 2012 after major renovation, Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for more than three centuries. Formerly a private house enlarged by Christopher Wren to suit the needs of William and Mary, this nonetheless unpretentious property was the favoured home of five sovereigns until the mid-eighteenth century, and during this period was restyled and decorated by some of England's greatest architects, artists and designers. It was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria, and towards the end of her reign she approved a pioneering restoration of the State Apartments. More recently, Kensington was the home of Diana, Princess of Wales, during the last years of her life. This revised illustrated history, published to mark the palace's latest transformation, tells the fascinating story of the site, recounting not only the architectural development of the building and the creation of its magnificent gardens, but also the dramas and intrigues of court life.