World Notes Britain

Hampton Court, one of the oldest of Britain's royal palaces, is rich with history. Built by Thomas Cardinal Wolsey, the 1,800-acre estate was forfeited to Henry VIII in 1529 when the Cardinal's fortunes waned. The King quickly enlarged the palace, moved in and cavorted there with five of his six wives. With the accession of William III and Mary II in 1689 came a major renovation, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. After George II died, in 1760, the 1,000- room palace ceased to be a home to sovereigns, and it was opened to the public in 1838.

Thus it came as a shock last week when a fire tore through Hampton Court, destroying several staterooms. Queen Elizabeth hurried to the scene to inspect the damage. Some $197,000 worth of royal possessions had been harmed, although a salvage team saved about 250 paintings.