Kew Palace was built in 1631, on the banks of the Thames River, for a Flemish merchant. About 100 years later, it was leased by Queen Caroline and subsequently purchased by George III. He and his wife, Queen Charlotte spent summers at Kew Palace with their 15 children and it was an important refuge during his infamous bouts of "madness." After Queen Charlotte died in 1818, Kew Palace was closed up. It was acquired by Kew in 1898 and opened to the public, and is now in the trust of Historic Royal Palaces.
Next to the Palace are the Royal Kitchens, which have been preserved from the time of Queen Charlotte's death in 1818. The great kitchen and preparation rooms, as well as the demonstrations, give an insight into life of the kitchen staff and Georgian cuisine.
The Queen's Garden features plants grown in Britain before and during the 17th century.