A Royal Past

Welcoming guests since 1665

It is widely reported that The Mitre was built in 1665 at the direction of Charles II as a ‘hostel for visitors to the Palace’. The hotel site is a highly interesting spot, rich with historical and royal connections; with the building having a strong association, with Hampton Court Palace.

Origins date back to the reign of Henry VIII. The building has been reconstructed since 1665 and is Grade II Listed as a mid-18th century edifice by Historic England. The Mitre is also an Archaeology Priority Area, and investigations have revealed sections of the fabric of the earlier river wall of circa 1700 nearby.

The Mitre is on the site of The Toy, ‘which originally stood on the opposite side of the road, near the Trophy Gates of the Palace... and is mentioned in 1653 in the Parliamentary Survey of Hampton Court as a Victualling House. This house was famous for the convivial meetings held there by the “Toy Club”, of which William IV, then Duke of Clarence, was president.

An early 18th century manuscript reveals a remarkable assembly of structures on the site of the Mitre, including not only the Toy, but its associated pounding mill and gardens, and ‘a piece of land at Hampton Court... with several buildings thereon’ suggesting, historically, a more substantial land-holding on the part of this inn.

Today The Mitre is still the favoured place for travellers to Hampton Court and the surrounding area.