Kew Palace

Kew Palace is the smallest and most intimate of the royal palaces. The four-storey brick house was built c. 1631 by Samuel Fortrey, a merchant of Dutch origin, whose initials together with those of his wife Catherine, can be seen above the entrance. It is constructed of red bricks laid in a style known as Flemish bond, consisting of bricks arranged with sides and ends alternating. The gabled main front gives the house a Dutch appearance. Later alterations included the installation of sash windows to replace the original brick mullions and transforms.

First used by the Royal Family in 1728, the Palace was finally purchased by George III in 1781 as an annex to the White House (located where the sundial now stands) to accommodate his expanding family, subsequently becaming a more permanent home for the Royal Family. Queen Charlotte, died here in 1818.

Kew Palace is administrated separately by Historic Royal Palaces. It recently underwent a major restoration and re-opened to the public in April 2006.

Continue the tour

Back up to: Riverside Zone

Carry on to: Queen's Garden

See also

Kew's History & Heritage: The Dutch House