Inside the lost palace of Greenwich that was the scene of luxury banquets, jousting tournaments and tragedy

Peek inside the lost palace of Greenwich, the scene of luxurious banquets, jousting tournaments and tragedies.

The Palace of Placentia was built in 1443 by Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester.

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The fourth youngest son of Henry VI. designed it for festivals and as an escape from the city.

A little over 40 years later, it became the birthplace of King Henry VIII.

The infamous king eventually made it his main royal residence.

Constantly Henry threw huge banquets and hosted England’s first masked ball at Placentia.

Historic UK said Christmas in 1516 made history when it was written: “The King held the Christmas feast at Greenwich that year, where such a great abundance of food was served to every nook and corner as few have ever seen times has been seen.”

Many jousting tournaments were also held on the castle grounds.

One, however, ended in tragedy.

In 1536 Heinrich fell from his horse during a tournament.

The then 44-year-old king fell forward and was eventually trapped under the animal.

He was reportedly unconscious for two hours and suffered injuries that impacted the rest of his life.

During the reign of King Charles II the courtyard was demolished and the exact location of the tournament courtyard was lost.

It then became home to the Old Royal Naval College in the late 1800s.

It now houses the University of Greenwich.

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