Hampton Manor was once used by the Knights of St John until acquired by Thomas Wolsey. All Henry VIII's wives, with the exception of Katherine of Aragon lived at Hampton Court Palace at one time or another.
When Jane, Henry's Queen died, after the birth of their son, Henry fled, as he couldn't bear to be in the same place as his wife's body. He later married Katherine Parr at Hampton Park. His daughter Elizabeth ordered that the exotic new plants, including tobacco and potato be grown in the extensive gardens.
The Great Hall was often used as a setting for plays. Shakespeare performed there in 1603, and in 1604 King James convened a conference to resolve issues between the Anglican Church and the Puritans. Charles I and II both honeymooned at Hampton Court. Queen Anne began the Royal Stud in the stables. It was Queen Victoria who opened the Palace and gardens to the public in 1838.