A king's ransom for Nonsuch Palace model
9:10am Sunday 11th September 2011 in News
An elaborate large-scale model of Henry VIII’s Nonsuch Palace cost more to build than the original palace – not allowing for inflation.
The model was unveiled this week and cost £40,000 to build, £15,000 more than the Tudor masterwork, which was reputed to be the most luxurious residence in England, if not Europe.
But applying inflation to the building costs it would now cost about £10.3m.
The superb model will be a permanent feature at the Service Wing Museum in Nonsuch Mansion, Nonsuch Park.
It was built in 1,250 hours by master modelmaker Ben Taggart, who has also made models for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum.
It was commissioned by volunteer group Friends of Nonsuch, in a project led by Professor Martin Biddle from Oxford University after he dedicated years to researching the palace’s history.
Professor Biddle was an undergraduate when he directed the excavation of the site, in Cuddington, in 1959. He has spent years painstakingly analysing written and illustrated evidence, as well as pouring over surviving fragments of stucco and slate, in preparation for the creation of 2.2m by 1.2m (7.2ft by 3.9ft) model.
About 1,300 fragments of carved slate were found during the excavation of 1959, along with a variety of royal badges, three busts of Roman emperors, trophies of arms, and figures.
It was built by Henry VIII in the 16th century to keep up with the extravagant palaces of the French king, Francis I.
The friends group, which raised all the money for the project, hopes the model will mean it is enjoyed by generations to come.
Gerald Smith, chairman of the Friends of Nonsuch said: “The unveiling went very well. Everybody was delighted how good and lifelike the model was.
“It’s the first of its kind, so it makes it extra special.
“As Professor Biddle said today, this is as accurate a recreation with the information we have.
“It will take pride of place in the stable block of Nonsuch Mansion.”
The model was unveiled on Tuesday, September 6, before goes on public view later in the month.
