Palace of Placentia

Palace of Placentia was a royal residence in Greenwich that once occupied the Thames riverbank with numerous courtyards, gardens, and private quays for royal boats. The complex sprawled across a substantial area with many interconnected buildings and outdoor spaces.

The estate began as a manor house in the 15th century and later became the Tudor family's favored residence. It was demolished in the 17th century to make way for other structures, but its importance as the birthplace of several monarchs remained significant.

Court entertainment and royal celebrations shaped daily life here during the Renaissance, reflecting the palace's role as a centre of courtly refinement.

The site is now accessible through the Old Royal Naval College, where information panels explain the original layout. Walking along the Thames offers the best way to understand the historical context of where the palace once stood.

Excavations uncovered the foundations of the palace, revealing the scale of the original construction that once dominated this riverside location. Brick remnants and other relics still lie beneath modern buildings, serving as silent reminders of its former grandeur.

Location: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Inception: 1443

GPS coordinates: 51.48222,-0.00667

Latest update: December 8, 2025 08:20