Nestled in the countryside outside of London stand two palaces. Though they lie about 17 miles apart and have vastly different architectural styles, the stone walls of Hampton Court and Windsor Palace housed the lives and stories of generations of England's royalty.

Many of these stories are undoubtedly infamous, and one simply can't help but wonder what secrets those walls hold.

Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) were able to explore some of these secrets during a tour organized by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department during a port call to Portsmouth, England.

Hampton Court saw the rise of five of Henry VIII's wives, the execution of two of those wives, the birth of the long-awaited male heir, Edward VI, and the subsequent death of his beloved mother, Jane Seymour. Built in 1515 by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Hampton Court was meant to show the Vatican that an English Cardinal could live in as much lavish splendor as those residing in Rome. However, as Wolsey fell from the favor of his king, Henry VIII, he unwillingly gave his palace to his majesty. Henry VIII soon began redeveloping and making additions to the palace until very little of Wolsey's original design remained. This most certainly does not take away from the allure of the grandiose structure as it stands today.

"It's beautiful," said Seaman Stephanie Hartley. "I am really interested in the palaces and seeing this makes me imagine being back in those times."

Hampton Court not only witnessed to the lives of Henry VIII and his three children, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I, but also the reign, imprisonment and execution of Charles I. Barely 40 years later, Hampton Court underwent redevelopments and additions once again, this time by the joint monarchs William of Orange and Mary II.

Today, Hampton Court is no longer a residence but it still provides a wonderful glimpse into some of the most turbulent times in England's history to thousands of visitors.

Windsor Palace, however, is still one the of the many residences of the British royal family and has a much longer history. Originally built in 1088 by William the Conqueror, the palace was built to stand through any assault or battle, and yet only saw two such battles. It also has been one of the main residences to 38 monarchs from Henry I in 1100 to Elizabeth II today making it the longest-occupied palace in Europe.

"It's crazy to think that these places were being built before America was even a thought in anyone's mind," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Adam Nelson.

On the palace grounds stands St. George's Chapel. Named after the patron saint of England, the chapel was built in 1348 and is the Mother Church to the Order of the Garter which is regarded as one of the most prestigious British orders of chivalry. The Chapel has been the site of many royal weddings, particularly the children of Queen Victoria, and the final resting place for several monarchs including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Edward VII and his wife Alexandra of Denmark.

"This tour has been amazing," said Hartley. "I have learned so much and it makes me want to go learn more about all the history here."

These two palaces have seen the world completely change around them yet they still stand with the same regal power as when they were first built. There can be no doubt that those walls will continue to stand tall, sheltering the royal generations to come.

The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests.


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