2 exquisite historic London buildings named among UK’s best

The Telegraph has pulled together a list of Britain’s 10 greatest Tudor buildings, picking out “magnificent edifices, timber-framed and brick-built, that have stood the test of time”.

For London, it was the Henry VII Chapel inside Westminster Abbey and Hampton Court Palace that made the list.

You can see the full list of the UK’s best Tudor buildings via The Telegraph.

‘Exquisite’ London buildings among UK’s best

The Henry VII Chapel inside Westminster Abbey earned the top place on The Telegraph’s list.

Branded as “England’s most exquisite Gothic chapel” and “boasting one of Europe’s greatest ceilings”, the building earned mass praise from the outlet.

The chapel’s fan vault was described as an “engineering masterpiece”, as the Telegraph wrote: “The vault’s weight is borne by hidden arches and external piers disguised as ogee-domed turrets”.

The chapel is “bejewelled” with the royal tombs of Henry VII, Edward VI, Mary, Elizabeth I, James I, Charles II, Queen Anne, and Mary Queen of Scots.

Henry VII’s chapel. (Image: Getty Images)

Hampton Court Palace was the other Tudor building in London named among the UK’s best, earning third place.

Sharing why the Palace made the list, The Telegraph explains: “No Tudor building better captures the transition from English perpendicular Gothic to uncertain continental Renaissance than Hampton Court, created by Cardinal Wolsey and expanded by Henry VIII.

“Wolsey desired a Renaissance palace, but it is full of Gothicisms because most craftsmen knew no other.

“Thus, England’s last royal great hall with a hammerbeam roof can be seen alongside Roman Emperors’ busts and a Renaissance astronomical clock.

Hampton Court Palace. (Image: Getty Images)

“The palace is enormous. Frugal Elizabeth barely touched the place.”

What do visitors think of Hampton Court Palace and Henry VII Chapel?

Although praised by The Telegraph, it is always important to know what the public thinks of such historic buildings.

On Tripadvisor, one visitor to the Henry VII Chapel said: “A must-see is Henry VII’s chapel, which was consecrated in 1516 with its spectacular vaulted roof and tomb crafted by Italian sculptor Pietro Torrigiano”.

Another guest said: “A stunning church/abbey — make sure to get the audio guide (free) and understand how the Abbey was built, the various chapels, the gorgeous ceilings — everything is outstanding”.

Elsewhere, visitors to Hampton Court Palace described it as “incredible” and “a wonderful piece of history”.

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As one guest said: “An excellent experience for history buffs with a beautifully preserved palace and splendid grounds”.

A second visitor said: “Beautiful gardens and lots of entertainment for everyone”.

Have you visited Hampton Court Palace or the Henry VII Chapel before? Let us know in the comments.