Henry VIII

Another bench in Plassey Place Eltham commemorating famous people with a connection to Eltham.

Henry VIII was born in and spent much of his childhood at Eltham Palace, which was considered a healthier environment for children than the palace at Greenwich beside the River Thames. He was the last monarch to spend any money on Eltham Palace and it is recorded that the court often celebrated Christmas at the palace. After his reign it fell out of favour with the royal family preferring other residences. the only part of the Tudor palace that remains today is the Great Hall and some foundations in the gardens.