Henry VIII's 12ft-tall wine fountain is re-created

Hampton Court Palace was used by King Henry VIII as his pleasure palace [photo. BBC]

The working replica was created after the remains of a 16th Century fountain used by King Henry VIII were found during an archaeological dig at Hampton Court Palace. The 13ft (4m) fountain, made of timber, lead, bronze and gold leaf, stands on the site of the excavated fountain. The replica's design was based on the Field of the Cloth of Gold painting displayed at the palace. It shows Henry's meeting with Francis I at Guines near Calais in June 1520, when Henry also erected a a temporary 'palace' made from canvas.

According to historical documents, one French guest observed that the fountains 'continually spouted white wine and claret. The replica can be found in the palace's large courtyard and will run with red and white wine at weekends and on bank holidays, costing £3.50 a glass, carrying on the tradition started by Henry VIII.


The fully working recreation of Henry VIII's Tudor Wine Fountain was carefully constructed from authentic materials including timber, bronze and gold leaf. [photo. Daily Mail]

Times Online