The Private Tudor Gardens of Hampton Court were lost when they were replaced by later additions. Yet small glimpses remain to us of these Privy Gardens, revealing an intriguing snapshot into the private lives of the Tudor monarchs and the people who worked for them.

Alexandra Stevenson is Curator of Archaeology and Historic Buildings. She shares with us her latest research exploring Elizabeth I’s garden sanctuary - where herbs were grown, sweet-smelling waters were distilled, and where the Tudor queen may have bathed and relaxed away from the eyes of the court.

Travel back to the Lost Tudor Gardens at Hampton Court and see the Wijngaerde Panorama of the Gardens from 1558.

Hans Holbein’s Tudor masterpiece known as the Ambassadors was painted in 1533, the year when Henry VIII changed the course of history. Religious turmoil sweeps through Europe and Anne Boleyn is Queen of England.

Two Ambassadors choose to capture this pivotal moment of religious and political upheaval, but who were they and what did they want this painting to convey?

In today’s episode we join Tracy Borman, Chief Historian, as she explores the painting known as The Ambassadors, by Hans Holbein.

You can view The Ambassadors in high resolution here.

Thank you to the National Gallery for letting us record in front of the painting.

The Gardens of Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are the perfect place to walk and enjoy the sounds and feelings of being in nature.

So for today’s episode, we’re collaborating with sound artist and musician Alice Boyd, who is going to lead us into these tranquil gardens to meet Claire Woods who is Head Gardener at Hillsborough Castle.

We want you to be immersed by this episode, so take a moment to focus in on the lovely sounds and enjoy an escape to the Gardens of Hillsborough Castle.

Find out more about the Gardens of Hillsborough Castle.