Hidden away in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace is the royal tennis court where King Henry VIII played an early version of tennis.
The first court at Hampton Court was built for Cardinal Wolsey between 1526 and 1529 where a young, athletic Henry VIII spent hours playing the game of royal tennis (also known as real tennis).
The current court was built for Charles I in 1625 and three of its walls date from this period, with the fourth remaining from Wolsey’s time.
Today, the court is still regularly used by the Royal Tennis Court club, which dates back to 1818.
The court will also play host to the Champions Trophy sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric from July 30 to August 4 2024, featuring the best players in the world.
Presently, the club is for private members only, but Head Professional Nick Wood granted access for a behind-the-scenes video at the historic court.
Watch the video below to find out more about the sport of royal tennis as well as the court itself.
Featured image taken by Olly Pinhey
