Kew Palace

Kew Palace is the smallest and most intimate of the royal palaces.

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Kew Palace

Kew Palace

Did you know?

  • Kew Palace was first used by the Royal Family in 1728.

Historical information

This 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.

The Palace was 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 becoming a more permanent home for the Royal Family.

Queen Charlotte died here in 1818.

Click here for more information about Kew Palace.

Please note that you must have both a Kew Gardens ticket and Kew Palace ticket to visit the Palace as access to the Palace is through the Gardens.

Please also note that the cost of admission to Kew Palace is additional to the Kew Gardens admission price. Click here for more information about admission prices.

7 comments on 'Kew Palace'

Bob Willis says

13/07/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

As Verger of St Mary's Church Bitton, Nr Bristol, I am keen to see if there is any way in which the connection with Kew that was developed in the 1800's by the Rev'd Ellacombe through his plant donations and work as a plantsman can be re-established. Rev'd Ellacombe wrote a number of books on plants including " In a Glos. Garden". He also hybrides a snowdrop and sedum. Your comments would be welcomed. Bob Willis

Feedback Team says

14/06/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment KT. We've done a little research into this and found out that after Kew Palace came under the control of the Board of Works Surveyor in the 1890s, the old kitchen block of the Palace was used as flats for staff. We think the old kitchen block is one of the outbuildings too.

KT says

14/06/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Kew Palace was not divided into flats in the 1960s but some of the remaining outbuildings were. This included portions of the Georgian kitchens which our now cleared of tenants and under restoration. Also, Photography IS allowed in Kew Palace (just no flash).

Digital Media Team says

26/04/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Thanks for your comment Rosemary. We've passed your question on to the archive team. We'll post any update in this thread. In the meantime, check out their blog for more fascinating stories about Kew's history http://www.kew.org/blogs

Rosemary Tite (Bridle) says

25/04/2010 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Could you please let me know if Kew Palace was divided into flats and occupied by Kew workers in the 1960s?

Kew Digital Media Team says

12/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

Dear Ellie, I'm afraid photography is not allowed inside the Palace - please see the following page for more information: http://www.hrp.org.uk/KewPalace/FAQs.aspx#12 Best wishes, Kew Digital Media Team

Ellie says

11/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Report abuse

would you be able to take pictures inside the palace? flash photography or otherwise?

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Your Kew

We invite photographers to capture the sights at Kew and Wakehurst. These images are a selection of images submitted by photographers from around the world. We hope you enjoy them. You can see more on Flickr.

Events at Kew

Featured Events and Attractions:
Watering bromeliads in the Tropical Nursery

Walks and tours - Tropical Nursery tour

Part of Tropical Extravaganza 2012 festival

Sat 04 February - Sat 03 March 2012, 1.30pm, 2pm and 2.30pm

Saturdays only
Go behind the scenes with Kew’s expert guides on a fascinating tour of the Tropical Nursery.

Horticulturist pruning orchids at Kew Gardens

Course - Orchids for beginners

Part of Tropical Extravaganza

Thu 16 February 2012, 10.30am - 3.30pm

This one day course aims to give you the knowledge and confidence to be able to grow orchids successfully in your own home.