Castles, palaces and houses of British monarchs

Whether stronghold or private domain, there is a romance to royal dwellings: fashions, tastes and social mores, ancient and modern, can be traced in their architecture and gardens. We explore the designs and settings of royal residences such as the castles of Stirling, Windsor and Balmoral, and Hampton Court, Buckingham and Kensington Palaces.

Aims

This course aims to: 

• create an appreciation of the outward symbolism of royal residences and their landscapes
   
• examine a chronological understanding of changing royal tastes and values
   
• gain an insight into the history of the British monarchy and its future

Content

This course starts with an overview of the greatest royal castle builders, the Norman and Plantagenet kings, whose structures at Windsor and Stirling served as both excellent defence and architectural statements of power. Windsor Castle is also the oldest continuously inhabited example in the world. Mighty on its rocky outcrop Stirling Castle has been faithfully restored to evoke the Stewarts in Scotland who rivalled Europe’s Renaissance princes. Henry VIII lavished money on Hampton Court Palace making it the apogee of Tudor Renaissance taste, made yet more glorious by architect Christopher Wren for the later Stuarts, William III and Mary II. The word Victorian encapsulates the 19th century not least in terms of monarchy, power and family, the Princess Victoria grew up at Kensington Palace, still home to many lesser royals. As Queen, with her Prince Consort Albert, Balmoral Castle was constructed in Scottish Baronial style set in the Grampian mountains along the shores of what is now known as the ‘Royal’ River Dee’. Arguably Buckingham Palace is the most famous of British royal residences, scene of international events and the celebrated balcony appearances. Charles III studied at Trinity College, Cambridge so we will make a walking tour tracing the city’s royal architectural heritage. Which properties will become key to the reign of Charles III? One year from his coronation these are questions 
to examine.

Presentation of the course

PowerPoint lectures will provide detailed illustrations of each site, active participation is encouraged, raising questions and discussions form an integral part of the course. Where possible contemporary and relevant books, articles and plants will be provided daily. The field trip around central Cambridge offers the opportunity to analyse royal symbols and associations.

Course sessions

1. Castellations, power and might – Windsor Castle and Stirling Castle
   Not quite a thousand years but Windsor has been in the public eye from its construction by William the Conqueror in the 1070s. The old castle and its additions dominate the town, within a host of architects and designers have wrought changes, creating rooms of fabulous artworks and historic artefacts. Built on a Roman site, Stirling Castle became central to centuries of battling and power struggles with the English, the consummate restored palatial interiors showcase James IV and Margaret Tudor and their descendants. 
    
2. Fit for a King – Hampton Court Palace 
   Hampton Court Palace has not been a royal home for over 150 years but its history, architecture and collections ooze royal connections. Two reigns have left their indelible mark: firstly, Henry VIII and all six of his wives, a setting for feasts and fashion as well as tragedy. Secondly, following the bloodless Glorious Revolution, the artistic and horticultural tastes of William III and Mary II who commissioned its transformation by Christopher Wren and a host of Dutch craftsmen.
    
3. Royal Privacy - Kensington Palace and Balmoral Castle
   Between 1718-27 William Kent redesigned the royal apartments at Kensington Palace in a revolutionary approach to interior decoration in Britain i.e. a complete overall approach including furniture as well as landscapes. A century later, on 24th May 1819, the future Queen Victoria was born here and then spent her childhood away from the Court until she received the news of her accession to the throne. The Scottishness of Balmoral, the building of this Victorian interpretation of Highland castle architecture and its vast landscape ensures its continuing role as a favoured royal home. 
    
4. Field trip to Royal Cambridge
   An active engagement with the exteriors of Christs, St. John’s and Trinity Colleges and that of King’s College Chapel.
    
5. Jacobean Mulberry Garden to royal residence: Buckingham Palace, London
   James I decreed that Britain should develop a silk industry for which he organised the importation of 1,000s of mulberry trees, including setting aside 4 acres near the Palace of Westminster, the future site for the palace. We will trace the development of the building from its acquisition by the Duke of Buckingham to its status today as an international symbol of British monarchy. How will Charles III use it?

Learning outcomes

You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course. 

The learning outcomes for this course are:

• gaining an insight into the legacy and organisation of royal properties
   
• understanding that the role of architecture and setting remains a key symbol for 
  contemporary royalty
   
• providing knowledge that will enhance the pleasure of visiting these royal domains

Required reading

There is no required reading for this course.

Typical week: Monday to Friday 

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students.   

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to your learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events. 

Evaluation and Academic Credit  

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.  

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay. 

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit. 

Certificate of attendance 

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.