Who built Hampton Court Palace in 1515?

The correct answer is that Hampton Court Palace was built by Cardinal Wolsey in 1515. He was a prominent figure in the court of Henry VIII, serving as his chief advisor and having considerable influence over both the church and state during this period. Wolsey initially constructed the palace as a relatively modest residence, but it was designed to impress through its lavish architecture and beautiful gardens.

The significance of the palace escalated when Henry VIII acquired it from Wolsey in 1528. Following this acquisition, Henry transformed and expanded the palace into a grand and opulent royal residence befitting his status as king. While Henry is often associated with Hampton Court Palace due to the extensive renovations and additions he made, especially the iconic Great Hall, it is important to recognize that the original construction was initiated by Wolsey as his home and was originally intended to showcase his wealth and power.

Other figures mentioned, such as Thomas Cranmer, who was influential in religious reforms during Henry VIII's reign, Queen Anne, a later monarch with numerous contributions to London architecture, and Henry VIII himself, who made significant changes to the palace, were not responsible for its original construction. Therefore, the correct attribution of the palace's foundation clearly lies with Cardinal Wolsey.