A man residing within the historic walls of Hampton Court Palace has offered a rare glimpse into daily life at one of Britain's most iconic royal homes, revealing that while the setting is undeniably picturesque, there is one unsettling aspect he contends with.
Living in a Royal Legacy
Hampton Court Palace, located in Richmond upon Thames, once served as the residence of legendary monarchs such as Henry VIII and William III. Today, this Grade I listed building no longer functions as a royal abode but operates primarily as a major tourist attraction. However, a select few individuals, including staff and professional real tennis players, call the estate home to preserve its heritage and fulfil their roles.
The Real Tennis Connection
Among these residents is Jack Josephs, a 28-year-old real tennis professional. Real tennis, distinct from modern lawn tennis, is a centuries-old sport, and players like Jack live at Hampton Court to help maintain the 500-year-old court and craft the handmade balls required for the game. In a recent TikTok video, Jack shared that he has called the palace home for four years, but he quickly noted a supernatural element, stating emphatically that the building is "definitely haunted."
A Tour of the Palace Flat
Jack provided a guided tour of his flat, starting with the bathroom, which he described as "massive" yet featuring a low door frame that caused him to sustain a concussion shortly after moving in. The palace maintenance team has since added padding to prevent further injuries. Moving upstairs, he showcased a compact seating area and a reasonably spacious bedroom, both offering breathtaking views of the Tudor architecture and lush gardens.
Unique Layout and Favourite Features
Beyond the bedroom, Jack pointed out that the flat's layout becomes "slightly strange," with a kitchen positioned "in the middle" rather than at one end, and not one but two sitting rooms. His absolute favourite feature, however, is a "tiny" kitchen window that opens to reveal magnificent vistas of the palace grounds, allowing him to connect intimately with the historic surroundings.
Eerie Encounters and Public Fascination
While Jack did not elaborate on specific ghostly experiences in his initial video, he promised to share eerie stories in future content after viewers expressed keen interest in the comments. Many envious commenters overlooked the potential spirits, instead marvelling at the opportunity to live in such a historic site, with one person noting the "amazing" history and another requesting more details on the haunted aspects, citing an "eerie vibe" during evening visits.
This unique perspective highlights the blend of modern living and ancient history at Hampton Court Palace, offering insights into both its architectural quirks and supernatural lore.
