The Manor House - Hunting Lodge became so large, that it was often referred to as a Palace. It reverted back to a Manor House during the time of Charles II. Sadly, it burnt down in 1797 and the Georgian front, Jacobean back, the towers and the Elizabethan black and white gallery (with its painted ceiling), were all lost.
In it's place rose Hanworth Park House. Built by Henry, VI Duke of St. Albans, on church land in the park. He is buried before the altar at St. George's Church, and the parchment he inscribed giving £6 per annum in rent is extant. The present Duke is still Baron Vere of Hanworth. The title of Viscount Hanworth was created in Victorian times for the Pollock family. The first Viscount of Hanworth was Master of the Rolls and lived in Hanworth Park House. He was also Lord of the Manor of Hanworth.
There are 2 terra-cotta heads of the Caesars in the yellow brick pediments on either side of the drive to Tudor House, which belonged to Cardinal Wolsey (by Miano in 1510). These are from the Holbein Gate in Whitehall, London. Also, there are two brick ovens by the same hand as those at Hampton Court, used for cooking a whole deer on a spit.
The Princess Mary and Princess Elizabeth planted a walk of parallel yew trees when they lived in the Palace. This is now behind Parr Court, Hanworth Park, though some of the trees have now been cut down to provide private car parking for residents.
The Princess Elizabeth mounted her pony to ride in Hanworth Park, on a set of marble steps, still extant in Tudor Court. She had her portrait painted in the Palace at Hanworth and this now hangs in Windsor Castle. She was about 15 years old and wore a red dress and shown holding a prayer book.
Three Hundred years ago, the historian Camden said that Hanworth was the favourite place of Henry VIII and of his daughter Elizabeth. They paid many visits.
King James I knighted the Lord of the Manor in St. George's Church and in gratitude, he placed the Royal Arms in stained glass in the Church (which has been recovered and restored). This stained glass is displayed in St. George's Church, Lady Chapel.
When Queen Henrietta Maria was staying at the Palace, King Charles I was godfather to the infant son of Lord Cottington, then Lord of the Manor of Hanworth. A silver-gilt Chalice and Paten for the Altar was given to St. George's and suitably inscribed. This gift is kept in the bank vault.
