Privy Garden of the Palace of Whitehall, Royal courtyard in Westminster, London, England
The Privy Garden of the Palace of Whitehall is a royal courtyard stretching between Parliament Street and the Thames River, covering several acres of ground. Intersecting pathways divide the space into grass squares, creating a structured layout with open areas throughout.
Henry VIII seized York Place from Cardinal Wolsey and transformed it into a royal pleasure ground, establishing this location as a major royal residence. Subsequent Stuart monarchs expanded and refined the space, making it a central part of the Whitehall complex.
The space held sixteen grass sections arranged with central statues, demonstrating how Tudor and Stuart rulers used formal gardens to display order and authority. Visitors moving through recognized the design as a symbol of royal power and refined taste.
The location next to state apartments and offices allowed quick conversations between the monarch and advisors without formal scheduling or preparations. This proximity made it a favored spot for conducting both official business and private court matters.
A large sundial occupied the garden and was documented in Edmund Gunter's 1624 publication describing its design and uses. This instrument functioned as both a decorative feature and a practical timekeeping device for the royal household.
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